ECG changes during long-term minoxidil therapy for severe hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Severe hypertension poses significant cardiovascular risks.
• Effective antihypertensive agents are crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess the electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of minoxidil in patients with severe hypertension.
• To determine the relationship between minoxidil-induced ECG changes and myocardial ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 80 patients with severe hypertension.
• Treatment included minoxidil in combination with beta-adrenergic blocking agents and diuretics.
• ECG parameters were monitored at rest and during exercise over 139.6 patient-years.

Main Results:

• Minoxidil significantly reduced blood pressure at rest and during exercise.
• 90% of patients exhibited T-wave flattening or inversion upon minoxidil initiation.
• These ECG changes were not associated with heart rate changes, myocardial ischemia, exercise, or beta-blockade.

Conclusions:

• Minoxidil-induced ECG changes are generally benign and not indicative of cardiac ischemia.
• T-wave abnormalities often revert to baseline with chronic minoxidil treatment.
• Long-term minoxidil therapy can lead to a reduction in increased QRS voltages.