Sustained-release verapamil as a first-step drug in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.
The efficacy of sustained-release verapamil as a first-stage treatment for mild to moderate, uncomplicated essential hypertension was studied. Nineteen patients aged 36-70 years (mean +/- SD 55 +/- 10 years) entered the study. Treatment with 240 mg sustained-release verapamil, once daily for 8 weeks, caused systolic and diastolic blood pressures to decline significantly during the first 2 weeks and this lower level was maintained until week 8. Heart rate decreased gradually during the treatment period reaching significance at week 8. After 2 weeks maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressures during isometric exercise were significantly reduced compared with pre-treatment values; there was no difference in the percentage increase occurring pre- and post-treatment. These measures for heart rate did not change significantly. Except for a significant reduction in cardiac index after 8 weeks left ventricular function and left ventricular mass were unchanged. The 24-h urinary Na+ excretion increased significantly after 2 and 8 weeks' treatment. Plasma renin activity, serum lipid concentrations and routine blood chemistries were not affected. Side-effects were transient and did not require discontinuation of therapy. In conclusion, sustained-release verapamil is an efficacious and well tolerated first-stage drug in the treatment of essential hypertension.
Institute of Cardiology, University of Istanbul, Haseki, Turkey.
S M
SM
Karcier
B
B
Orbay
A B
AB
Ozder
N
N
Gürses
S
S
Aytekin
S
S
Satar
M
M
Oztürk
C
C
Demiroğlu
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D014700:Verapamil