Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Studying Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Aortic Debanding in Rodents
07:26

Studying Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Aortic Debanding in Rodents

Published on: July 14, 2021

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive elderly patients with carvedilol

M Verza1, S Ammendola, A Cambardella

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, 2nd University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Napoli, Italy.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Carvedilol effectively reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients. This study highlights carvedilol

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) increases cardiovascular death risk in hypertensive patients.
  • Some antihypertensive drugs may regress LVH, but data on carvedilol in elderly patients is limited.
  • Carvedilol offers balanced vasodilatation and beta-blockade properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of carvedilol on left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly patients with essential hypertension.
  • To assess blood pressure changes following carvedilol therapy.

Main Methods:

  • 22 elderly patients (average age 69) with essential hypertension and LVH received 25 mg carvedilol daily for 6 months.
  • Echocardiography assessed left ventricular mass index (LVMI) before and after therapy.
  • Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • Carvedilol significantly reduced mean systolic blood pressure (175 to 145 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (102 to 82 mmHg).
  • Left ventricular mass index decreased significantly from 148 +/- 24 g/m2.
  • Mean heart rate showed a non-significant reduction from 78 to 72 beats/min.

Conclusions:

  • Carvedilol effectively reduces blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly hypertensive patients.
  • The drug was well-tolerated in this patient population.
  • Carvedilol demonstrates potential as a treatment option for hypertensive patients with LVH.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...