Effect of Irbesartan on Endothelial Function of the Retinal Vasculature in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Inclusion Criteria: Male patients aged 18-65 years with LDL-cholesterol >= 130mg/dl Male healthy control subjects aged 18-65 years Exclusion Criteria: All kinds of secondary hyperlipidemia. Advanced damage of vital organs (grades III and IV retinopathy) Lipid-lowering drugs (including lipid lowering dietary supplements or food additives) within the last 4 weeks History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to AT1-receptor blockers Actual or anamnestic alcohol- or drug abuse. Smokers or ex-smokers < 1 year. Patients with Diabetes mellitus (oral medication or insulin). Patients with arterial fibrillation or AV-Block (II° or more). Patients with anamnestic myocardial infarction. Patients with instable angina pectoris including EcG-aberrations or cardiac insufficiency NYHA III or IV. History of malignancy (unless a documented disease-free period exceeding 10 years is present) with the exception of basal cell carcinoma of the skin History of allograft transplantation Patients with anaphylaxis or known therapy resistance of the used test matters Therapy with not approved concomitant medication, or participation in a clinical study within 4 weeks preceding treatment start. Disease which interfere with the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the study drug. Liver or kidney disease with SGOT, GPT, g-GT, AP, bilirubin and creatinin above 200% of standard. Patients, who are not sufficiently compliant, or patients, who are not capable or willing to appear for controlling visits. Presumed risk of transmission of HIV or hepatitis via blood from the proband