1,721,219 research outputs found
Beta-blockers and primary cardioprotection in hypertension
No full textTheoretical and experimental data coupled with findings from several studies, showing the beneficial effect of beta-blocking therapy in reducing the risk of death and re-infarction among infarct patients (secondary cardioprotection), suggested that beta-blockers could reduce the incidence of coronary events also in hypertensive patients with no clinical evidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) (primary cardioprotection). In order to evaluate the primary cardioprotective potential of beta-blockers as compared to diuretics in the treatment of hypertension, some large-scale, randomized, prospective studies were set up in the middle and late 1970s. The results of three of these trials, the MRC, the IPPPSH and the HAPPHY studies, were negative or non-conclusive and somehow conflicting. None of them showed any difference between beta-blockers and diuretics in reducing the incidence of CHD, but the MRC and the IPPPSH studies suggested that beta-blockers were better than diuretics in male non-smokers. However, the HAPPHY study did not confirm such a hypothesis. More recently, two studies, the Clatterbridge study (retrospective, non-controlled) and the MAPHY study (prospective, controlled) gave positive results about the primary cardioprotective effect of beta-blockers. In particular, the MAPHY study demonstrated that starting antihypertensive treatment with the beta1-selective beta-blocker metoprolol instead of a thiazide diuretic led to lower total and cardiovascular mortality, mainly by reducing fatal CHD and fatal stroke. Although more evidence is needed, the primary cardioprotective effect demonstrated with metoprolol in the MAPHY study might have important implications for clinical practice and public healt
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
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
[Limitations of the current instrumentation for ambulatory measurement of arterial blood pressure]
No full text
- …
