[Sustained release verapamil in essential hypertension]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypertension affects a significant portion of the global population, necessitating effective and well-tolerated treatment options.
• Current antihypertensive therapies vary in efficacy and side effect profiles, prompting research into alternative or improved formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sustained-release verapamil in managing hypertension.
• To assess the impact of sustained-release verapamil on patients' quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter trial involving 237 hypertensive patients across four groups: no prior treatment, nifedipine, atenolol, or combination therapy.
• Patients with diastolic pressure ≥ 95 mm Hg received 240 mg daily of sustained-release verapamil for 8 weeks after a washout period.
• Dosage was increased to 360 mg for some patients who did not achieve control at 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Blood pressure was controlled in 177 patients after 4 weeks and an additional 33 after 8 weeks (with increased dosage).
• Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 19 and 16 mm Hg, respectively; pulse rate decreased by 5 beats/min.
• Significant improvements were observed in quality of life indices, including general well-being, physical and social activity, mood, and sleep, with constipation being the most reported side effect.

Conclusions:

• Sustained-release verapamil, at daily doses of 240-360 mg, is an effective antihypertensive medication.
• The treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse effects.
• Sustained-release verapamil significantly enhances the quality of life for hypertensive patients.