Tissue Velocity Echocardiography Shows Early Improvement in Diastolic Function With Irbesartan and Atenolol Therapy in Patients With Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

The TVE is more sensitive than conventional echocardiography in detecting alterations in diastolic function. Both irbesartan and atenolol improve diastolic function, but through different mechanisms. The improvement in IVRTm was greater with irbesartan, and only irbesartan improved E/Em. This may have implications on the treatment of high risk hypertensive patients.