Acute Effects of Beet Juice Intake on the Vascular Function of Hypertensive Patients

Systemic arterial hypertension is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Among the main modifiable environmental factors of hypertension, the investigators highlight inadequate eating habits, such as low vegetable consumption. Clinical studies have shown that inorganic nitrate from beet juice intake has a protective effect against CVD due to reduced blood pressure, inhibition of platelet aggregation and prevention of endothelial dysfunction. However, there is still no consensus on its benefits of inorganic nitrate in vascular health. Associated with this, there are no previous studies in the literature that correlate the acute effects of inorganic nitrate intake on endothelial function assessed by microvascular reactivity through laser. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects (single dose) of inorganic nitrate, through the ingestion of beet juice, in the vascular parameters and endothelial function of treated hypertensive patients of both sexes.