Comparison of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide in mild hypertension and changes in plasma lipid concentrations

M R Weir1, C Krichten, A Urick

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore.

Clinical Therapeutics
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide equally control hypertension. Enalapril improved lipid profiles, while hydrochlorothiazide showed adverse lipid changes, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Essential hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor.
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics are common antihypertensive agents.
  • The impact of antihypertensives on lipid profiles requires ongoing study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and tolerability of enalapril versus hydrochlorothiazide in mild essential hypertension.
  • To investigate the effects of these treatments on plasma lipid profiles.
  • To assess the clinical significance of observed lipid profile changes.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, randomized, parallel clinical trial.
  • Inclusion of 40 patients with mild uncomplicated essential hypertension.
  • 12-week treatment period with blood pressure and plasma lipid profile monitoring.

Main Results:

  • Both enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide demonstrated equal antihypertensive efficacy.
  • Treatments were generally well tolerated.
  • Enalapril showed favorable plasma lipid profile changes, whereas hydrochlorothiazide led to adverse alterations, including increased cholesterol ratios.

Conclusions:

  • Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide are equally effective for blood pressure control in mild hypertension.
  • Enalapril may offer benefits regarding lipid profiles.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide's adverse lipid effects require further research for clinical relevance.

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