[Changes in myocardial function in patients with hypertension during treatment with minipress]

Altogether 33 patients with arterial hypertension were investigated to study changes of left ventricular systolic phasic analysis, caused by prazosin therapy. Two groups were identified on the basis of these changes: indices in the 1st group (intrasystolic index, myocardial tension index, Blumberger coefficient) improved, in the 2nd group they deteriorated. The antihypertensive effect of prazosin should be assessed not only by the level of BP reduction but also by changes of left ventricular systolic phasic analysis. In the deterioration of indices of left ventricular systolic phasic analysis during a test with single administration of prazosin, antihypertensive therapy should be reconsidered.