[Effect of 3 hypertensive++ agents on ventricular geometry and function].
BACKGROUND
To assess the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients referred to an outpatient cardiology unit, and to assess its evolution under antihypertensive treatment.


METHODS
One hundred and seven mild to moderate hypertensive patients were randomized to receive either xipamide, verapamil or atenolol. Cross-sectional echocardiography was performed in order to assess left ventricular mass and function.


RESULTS
Mean age was 56 years, with a 4:1 female/male ratio. Mean follow-up was 120 days. Left ventricular hypertrophy was very common (65%) and decreased to 54% under antihypertensive treatment. Left ventricular mass decreased from 134.3 g/m2 to 118.1 g/m2 (p < 0.001). Concentric hypertrophy was the most common geometric pattern (42%), decreasing to 30% with treatment. Xipamide decreased ventricular mass by decreasing left ventricular diameters, while verapamil and atenolol decreased left ventricular thickness, mainly in septal wall. Systolic function was not modified during the treatment period. Diastolic function was not modified by xipamide and verapamil, and improved with atenolol.


CONCLUSIONS
Left ventricular hypertrophy is very frequent when determined by echocardiography and all three drugs produced regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in a different way with respect to left ventricle geometry, an effect which could have potential therapeutic implications.
Gómez Pajuelo
C
C
Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid.
Gómez Sánchez
M A
MA
Marín Ruiz
R
R
Lombera Romero
F
F
Sanz Julve
M
M
Tascón Pérez
J
J
Sáenz de la Calzada
C
C
D001262:Atenolol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects*; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014988:Xipamide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014988:Xipamide; D001262:Atenolol; D014700:Verapamil
Efecto de tres antihipertensivos sobre la geometría y función ventriculares.