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Changes in left ventricular dimensions and systolic function in 100 mildly hypertensive men during one year's
J E Otterstad1, G Froeland, A K Wasenius Soeyland
1Medical Department, Vestfold Central Hospital, Toensberg, Norway.
Insights
Atenolol reduced left ventricular mass, wall thickness, and increased stroke volume in hypertensive men. Moduretic also reduced left ventricular mass but decreased stroke volume, indicating differing effects on cardiac remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Left ventricular remodeling is a key pathological process in hypertensive heart disease.
- Understanding the differential effects of antihypertensive medications on cardiac structure and function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of atenolol versus hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride (Moduretic) on left ventricular dimensions and systolic function.
- To evaluate changes in left ventricular mass, wall thickness, and stroke volume over 1 year of treatment.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on cardiac output in hypertensive men.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind study design.
- 100 hypertensive men randomized to atenolol or Moduretic (50 per group).
- Echocardiography performed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Atenolol significantly reduced left ventricular mass, wall thickness, and increased stroke volume.
- Moduretic reduced left ventricular mass but did not change relative wall thickness and decreased stroke volume.
- Cardiac output decreased in both treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Atenolol demonstrated favorable effects on left ventricular remodeling and systolic function compared to Moduretic.
- Both medications reduced cardiac output, a common effect in antihypertensive therapy.
- These findings highlight differential impacts of beta-blockers and diuretics on cardiac structure in hypertension.
Abstract:
In a randomized double-blind study to compare the effect of atenolol vs. hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride (Moduretic) on left ventricular dimensions and systolic function, 100 hypertensive men were followed up during 1 year of treatment, 50 subjects being randomized to each drug. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, and after 3 and 12 months of treatment. A significant reduction in left ventricular mass with atenolol was paralleled by a decrease in left ventricular wall thickness and an increase in stroke volume. A similar reduction of left ventricular mass with Moduretic without a change in relative wall thickness and a decrease in stroke volume was observed. Cardiac output decreased in both groups.