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Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy from systemic hypertension by gallopamil
I W Franz1, U Behr, R Ketelhut
1Department of Cardiology, Klinikum Charlottenburg, Free University, Berlin, F.R.G.
Insights
Long-term treatment with the calcium antagonist gallopamil significantly reduced blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension. Gallopamil effectively lessened LVH without negatively impacting left ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a leading cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
- LVH is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of gallopamil on blood pressure and LVH in patients with essential hypertension.
- To assess the impact of gallopamil on left ventricular function.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 26 previously untreated patients with essential hypertension.
- Patients received either 100 mg or 150 mg of gallopamil daily for a mean duration of 22.3 months.
- Blood pressure, left ventricular mass index, interventricular septum thickness, and posterior wall thickness were measured.
Main Results:
- Gallopamil significantly reduced resting blood pressure from 157/103 mmHg to 130/82 mmHg (p < 0.001).
- A significant decrease in left ventricular mass index was observed (11.9% at 8.2 months, 31.9% at 22.3 months; p < 0.001).
- Interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness were also significantly reduced (16.9% and 18.3%, respectively; p < 0.001), with no change in left ventricular dimensions or fractional shortening.
Conclusions:
- Long-term treatment with gallopamil effectively reduces blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
- Gallopamil significantly lessens left ventricular hypertrophy associated with hypertension.
- The calcium antagonist gallopamil can reduce LVH without impairing left ventricular function.
Abstract:
In 26 previously untreated patients with essential hypertension (mean age 49.7 +/- 11 years), the effect of long-term treatment with the calcium antagonist gallopamil (n = 13, 100 mg; n = 13, 150 mg daily) on blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was studied. After the treatment of 22.3 +/- 2.5 months, the blood pressure of 157 +/- 19/103 +/- 84 mm Hg at rest prior to therapy was significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced to 130 +/- 12/82 +/- 7.3 mm Hg. Blood pressure reduction was accompanied by a significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in left ventricular mass index from 170 +/- 49.8/m2 to 150 +/- 44 (11.9%) and 116 +/- 26 (31.9%) after 8.2 and 22.3 months, respectively. Interventricular septum (14.2 to 13.2 and 11.8 mm; 16.9%) and posterior wall thickness (11.5 to 10.4 and 9.4 mm; 18.3%) were also significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced, whereas left ventricular dimensions and fractional shortening were unchanged. We conclude that LVH from hypertension can be lessened by calcium antagonists without deterioration of left ventricular function.