Effect of diuretics and calcium antagonists on circulatory parameters and plasma catecholamines during mental stress

In a model of mental stress the influence of nifedipine and hydrochlorothiazide on stress-induced changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma catecholamines was studied in normal persons. The drugs were used to investigate whether substances with antihypertensive but no particular sympatholytic properties were capable of suppressing emotionally induced stress reactions. In all subjects blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly during mental stress, and this effect was not inhibited either by nifedipine or hydrochlorothiazide. In the hydrochlorothiazide group plasma noradrenaline levels were significantly higher than in controls in the resting state and during the stress reaction, whereas in the nifedipine group no difference was observed. It is concluded that nifedipine or hydrochlorothiazide do not inhibit emotional stress reactions in normotensive persons.