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Published on: June 5, 2019

[Heart rate variability in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes treated with long acting calcium

Iu M Lopatin, D A Kirakozov, M E Statsenko

    Kardiologiia
    |August 2, 2003
    PubMed

    Insights

    Calcium antagonists may increase sympathetic activity, potentially raising cardiovascular risks in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This heart rate variability study suggests careful consideration of treatment options.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Hypertension Management

    Background:

    • Enhanced sympathetic activity is linked to cardiovascular complications in hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
    • Understanding the impact of antihypertensive medications on sympathetic activity is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of calcium antagonists on sympathetic activity.
    • To assess changes in heart rate variability (HRV) during calcium antagonist treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessed heart rate variability (HRV) in 89 hypertensive patients.
    • Patients received 12-16 weeks of treatment with various long-acting calcium antagonists.
    • Monitored 24-hour blood pressure and analyzed HRV parameters.

    Main Results:

    • Calcium antagonist treatment was associated with enhanced sympathetic activity, indicated by HRV changes.
    • Verapamil showed a favorable effect on morning blood pressure rise compared to other calcium antagonists.
    • Nifedipine and dihydropyridines demonstrated greater sympathetic enhancement than verapamil.

    Conclusions:

    • Calcium antagonists negatively affect HRV parameters, suggesting increased sympathetic activity.
    • This finding necessitates careful selection of antihypertensive therapy for patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
    • Consideration of HRV changes is important when prescribing calcium antagonists.
    Abstract

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