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A multicenter study of verapamil in systemic hypertension in Thailand
Insights
Verapamil effectively lowers blood pressure in Thai patients with mild to moderate hypertension. While generally well-tolerated, constipation was the most common side effect observed in this study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition requiring effective management.
- Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, is used to treat hypertension.
- Assessing verapamil's efficacy and safety in diverse populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antihypertensive effects of verapamil in Thai patients.
- To identify potential adverse effects associated with verapamil treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 30 Thai patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
- Patients received 80 mg of verapamil twice daily for 8 weeks after a 4-week placebo period.
- Blood pressure and pulse rate were monitored regularly in both supine and standing positions.
Main Results:
- Verapamil significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in supine and standing positions.
- No significant changes were observed in pulse rate.
- Constipation was the most frequently reported adverse effect; no cases of vivid dreams or breathlessness occurred.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil demonstrates significant antihypertensive efficacy in Thai patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
- The drug was generally well-tolerated, with constipation being the primary adverse event.
- Verapamil represents a viable treatment option for hypertension in this demographic, with minimal impact on vital signs and laboratory values.
Abstract:
The antihypertensive effect and possible adverse effects of verapamil were assessed in 30 Thai patients with mild to moderate hypertension. All patients had normal blood chemistry evaluations and electrocardiograms. After a 4-week placebo period, 80 mg of verapamil was given 2 times a day for 8 weeks. Blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded both in supine and standing positions every 2 weeks. Verapamil decreased blood pressure significantly both in supine and standing positions. The pulse rate was not significantly affected. The most common adverse effect was constipation. No vivid dreams or breathlessness were reported. The blood chemistry and electrocardiograms at the end of the study period were not significantly changed. It is concluded that verapamil reduces blood pressure in mild to moderate hypertensive Thai patients.