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Blood pressure vaccine study promising

Results of a new trial of a blood pressure vaccine have been very positive, researchers have reported.

Blood pressure medication is effective in lowering blood pressure. However, some stop taking their medication due to side effects or believe they don't need them anymore once their blood pressure is lowered. This can be dangerous, resulting in many with uncontrolled blood pressure. Researchers hope the vaccine will help improve blood pressure control.

The vaccine study

The vaccine was tested on 72 patients with moderate hypertension by Cytos Biotechnology in Switzerland.

The immunization acts to suppress the hormone angiotension II, which results in the relaxing of the muscles around blood vessels.

The patients were randomly given 100 micrograms (mcg) or 300mcg of the injected vaccine, or a placebo. The vaccines were repeated after four and 12 weeks.

The results

The researchers wrote their report in The Lancet.

Patients given the 300mcg vaccine experienced a drop in systolic blood pressure by 9mmHg and diastolic by 4mmHg.

A significant effect was seen in the early morning, when there is typically an increase in blood pressure. At 8am, blood pressure was reduced by 25 mmHg (systolic) and 13 mmHg (diastolic).

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