Long-term captopril treatment in moderate to severe hypertension

1 The long-term effects of the oral angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril with the addition of a diuretic (chlorthalidone) were examined in 16 patients with moderate or grave hypertension. Of these, 14 had essential hypertension and two renovascular hypertension. 2 Blood pressure fell sharply in all patients and this antihypertensive effect was maintained during 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up periods. The efficacy of treatment was not predicted by basal values of plasma renin activity. 3 Urinary excretion of sodium and potassium increased, but the increases were never such as to modify significantly sodium and potassium serum concentration. 4 The long-term treatment was generally well tolerated.