Introduction and objectives: Moderate-to-severe hypertension is less prevalent than mild hypertension, but it is responsible for more incidences of complications. Its complex treatment requires several drugs, and is often inadequate. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of nifedipine GITS (oral release osmotic system) as monotherapy, in addition to the effects on left ventricular hypertrophy, after a long term follow-up (one year).
Patients and methods: Thirty patients with diastolic blood pressure above 105 mmHg were studied after a short placebo phase. They received nifedipine GITS as monotherapy in a single daily dose of 30 mg; dose titration was made the first three months according to response and until they reached figures equal to or below 95 mmHg. By M-Mode echocardiogram, left ventricular mass index and systolic function were calculated at the end of the placebo phase and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Hematological parameters, lipid profile, electrolytes and liver enzymes were assessed at the same periods.
Results: In 70% of the patients the blood pressure reached values of 140-90 mmHg. In 16 patients with adequate M-mode recordings, a 12% reduction in left ventricular mass was observed without modification in systolic function. Five patients were retired: two due to adverse events and three due to different reasons (drop out, evidence for secondary hypertension). There were no changes of clinical significance in the hematological or biochemical parameters and no hypertensive crisis occurred.
Conclusion: The monotherapy with nifedipine GITS was effective in reducing high blood pressure, induced regression in ventricular hypertrophy and showed good tolerance in one year follow-up.