[Nifedipine in the treatment of arterial hypertension]

The results are reported from the administration of nifedipine to 39 patients with arterial hypertension. Thirty one of the patients suffered from hypertonic disease, and 8 had symptomatic hypertension. Light hypertension was established in 26 of the patients, moderate--10 and grave--3. In 22 of the patients (66.6%)--16 with light and 6 with moderate hypertension, the arterial pressure was normalized by the administration of nifedipine alone, 40 mg daily. In 16 patients the arterial hypertension was coped with the addition of beta-blockers, diuretic and clonidine. Only one patient failed to respond to the treatment. The effect advanced on 3rd--4th day on the average with the treatment with nifedipine alone and after 4-6 days after the inclusion of the double combination. Negligible and transitory adverse effects were observed in single patients. Nifedipine, administered alone or in combination with beta-blockers, diuretic and clonidine is an excellent agent in the treatment of light and moderate arterial hypertension.