Haemodynamic parameters in hypertensive patients: changes induced by lacidipine and nifedipine

We conducted a randomly allocated, double-blind study in 16 essential hypertensive patients, eight of whom were treated with nifedipine and eight with lacidipine. The antihypertensive efficacy was evaluated and any modifications to peripheral haemodynamic parameters were observed in the brachial artery by a mechanographic method and B-mode scanner with a 10-MHz probe. Statistically significant reductions in blood pressure from basal values were observed after 1 and 6 months' treatment. Enhanced compliance (P less than 0.005), reduced characteristic impedance (P less than 0.001) and lower peripheral resistances (P less than 0.01) were also noted. Variations in pulse wave velocity and mean blood pressure showed a statistically significant correlation as early as the first month of treatment (P less than 0.01). Our results suggest that therapy with nifedipine and lacidipine allows an improvement in peripheral haemodynamics in hypertensive patients. This response is maintained in chronic treatment, even just before the next dose administration at the end of the longest dose interval.