1,721,400 research outputs found
[Cardiodynamic changes induced with dilazep in chronic coronary insufficiency]
No full textSystolic intervals, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were monitored before and after oral administration of dilazep in 28 patients with chronic coronary disease. Controls were performed before drug assumption and after two months of treatment. 16 patients were given dilazep in 100 mg doses three times a day; 12 patients in 50 mg doses three times a day. In the former group dilazep brought about a PEP reduction owing to a shortening of the isovolumic contraction time. Also we noticed a constant decrease of BP, both systolic and diastolic, the former tapering from 155 down to 143 mmHg, the latter from 88 to 81. In the 12 patients treated with 150 mg a day, we did not notice any relevant alteration relatable to the drug since systolic intervals and BP were unimpaired. These observations point to a positive inotropic effect and a moderate vasodilatatory effect caused by dilazep if administered in 300 mg doses a da
Beta-blockers in chronic treatment after acute myocardial infarction
No full textPostinfarction treatment trials have demonstrated that beta-blockers are beneficial after myocardial infarction (MI), significantly reducing postinfarction cardiac mortality and nonfatal reinfarction, aside from bringing about an improved quality of life. Such cardioprotective action is probably mediated by both antiarrhythmic and anti-ischemic effects of these drugs. Beta-Blockers without ISA seem to be more effective in reducing cardiac mortality than those with ISA, which is probably due to their different effects on heart rate. Patients deriving major benefit from beta-blocker therapy after MI should be "high risk," elderly, and, perhaps, hypertensive patients. The suitable duration of postinfarction beta-blocker therapy is unknown: results from recent long-term trials speak in favor of continuous postinfarction beta-blocker therap
Half-strength atenolol-chlorthalidone combination (tenoretic mite) in the treatment of elderly hypertensive patients
No full textThe antihypertensive efficacy and tolerance of a new fixed combination of 50 mg atenolol and 12.5 mg chlorthalidone (Tenoretic Mite, TM) was studied in 37 patients with arterial hypertension, aged 61-80 years (mean, 70.2 years), who had been randomized to either 50 mg atenolol or 12.5 mg chlorthalidone for a 4-week period. At the end of this period, the fixed combination of atenolol and chlorthalidone was given to all patients for 6 months at a dose of one tablet daily in the morning. In both atenolol- and chlorthalidone-pretreated patients, treatment with the fixed combination resulted in a further significant drop in blood pressure, whereas the heart rate decreased only in the latter group. The mean blood pressure reduction achieved by the fixed combination was 30/15 mmHg in the standing position. Serum potassium levels significantly increased with the fixed combination compared with values on chlorthalidone alone. Unwanted effects were rare, and their frequency tended to decrease over time. In conclusion, the fixed combination of 50 mg atenolol plus 12.5 mg chlorthalidone tested in this study proved highly effective in lowering elevated blood pressure values in a population of elderly hypertensive patients treated over a 6-month period without noticeable unwanted effect
Effects of antihypertensive therapy on sexual activity in hypertensive men
No full textSexual dysfunction has a high prevalence among hypertensive men, and hypertension per se, regardless of drugs, has been suggested to affect sexual function. The available studies have not clarified which factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of sexual dysfunction in hypertensive men. Neurovascular factors, however, seem to be especially important, (in particular defective nitric oxide activity), although hormonal and psychogenic factors cannot be excluded. Further studies are needed to answer the important question of whether erectile dysfunction seen in hypertension may be one expression of vascular disease and target organ damage. The incidence of sexual dysfunction is exacerbated by antihypertensive drug treatment. There is evidence that some classes of drugs, such as diuretics, centrally acting sympatholytic drugs, and b-blockers have a greater impact on sexual function than other classes, such as calcium antagonists and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Present evidence on the effects of angiotensin II antagonists is limited, but some data suggest that sexual function in men receiving these drugs not only is not altered, but even improves. Since sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life for the individual, it is important in treating hypertension to ensure that the drugs used have the lowest possible potential for causing sexual problems. This ensures the best balance between therapeutic efficacy and quality of life, which is essential for complianc
A drug safety evaluation of valsartan
No full textINTRODUCTION: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as a class are generally considered safe and better tolerated than other antihypertensive drugs. The purpose of this report is to review the main data on the safety and tolerability of the second generation ARB valsartan after > 10 years since its initial approval. AREAS COVERED: We searched Medline for clinical studies published between 1997 and 2010 that involve valsartan and focus on its safety and tolerability profile. The main large-scale studies in hypertension, heart failure, post-myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic kidney disease are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: Valsartan demonstrates to be safe and well tolerated both in monotherapy and in combination therapy of hypertension in a broad range of patients, including the elderly, children, diabetics, obese patients and patients at high cardiovascular risk. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) are malaise/fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea/vomiting, whose incidence, however, is similar to that observed with placebo. Cough, a common class effect of ACE inhibitors, occurs less frequently with valsartan. When combined with hydrochlorothiazide, valsartan counteracts the adverse metabolic effects of the diuretic, whereas it reduces ankle edema formation when combined with amlodipine. In diabetic hypertensives, valsartan does not adversely affect glucose and lipid metabolism and even improves it. In post-MI patients, the rate of discontinuation due to AE, mainly hypotension, cough and increased serum creatinine, is lower in valsartan than in ACE inhibitor treated patients. Valsartan is also safe and well tolerated in patients with nephropathy although serum potassium levels need to be monitored more closel
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