Hemodynamic Effects of Dilevalol Following Acute and Long-Term Administration in Normal and Hypertensive Subjects

Forearm hemodynamics using pulsed Doppler flowmetry were studied in 12 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with mild to moderate hypertension before and after acute and long-term oral administration of the beta-blocking agent dilevalol. The study was performed using a double-blind design versus placebo. Both 200-mg and 400-mg dosages produced a significant acute blood pressure reduction in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. In hypertensive subjects, forearm vascular resistance was poorly modified, brachial artery diameter decreased significantly but only with long-term administration of the 400-mg dosage. A significant reduction in brachial artery tangential tension was consequently observed. The study provides evidence that Dilevalol produced a significant decrease in blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects in association with a decrease in brachial artery tangential tension.