Effects of a fixed-dose combination of ACE inhibitor and nondihydropyridine calcium antagonist on endothelial dysfunction in patients with essential arterial hypertension

Abstract

Aim. To study the effects of the fixed combination trandolapril 2 mg + verapamil 120 mg medication on endothelial function in patents with Stage II-III essential arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. In total, 39 AH patients were examined (mean age 66,7±6,9 years; Stage II and III AH – in 41,0% and 59,0%, respectively). At baseline and during the treatment phase, blood pressure (BP) measurement, 24-hour BP monitoring (BPM), and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDVD) assessment were performed. All patients received the fixed combination trandolapril 2 mg + verapamil 120 mg in the dose of 1 tablet once a day, in the morning; if after four weeks, routinely measured BP did not achieve target levels (<140/90 mm Hg), the dose was increased up to 2 tablets once a day. The follow-up period lasted for 24 weeks. Results. A significant reduction (p<0,05) in “office” systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) levels – by 36,3 and 24,4 mm Hg, respectively – was observed. At baseline, endothelial dysfunction was registered in 15 individuals. After 24 weeks of the therapy, EDVD normalized in 9 out of 15 patients (60,0%), and improved in other 6 (40,0%). Conclusion. The fixed-dose combined medication, the fixed combination trandolapril 2 mg + verapamil 120 mg, administered to patients with Stage II-III AH for 24 weeks, significantly reduced SBP and DBP levels and improved endothelial function.

Keywords

• essential arterial hypertension
• combined antihypertensive therapy
• fixed-dose combinations
• endothelial dysfunction