Non-invasive cardiovascular assessment of indapamide in patients with essential hypertension

The antihypertensive effect and a non-invasive cardiovascular assessment of indapamide in patients with idiopathic hypertension have been investigated in an uncontrolled study. Indapamide was found to be an effective antihypertensive agent in a dose of 2.5 mg per day with a mean fall in blood pressure of 25/18 mmHg. Apart from the development of impotence in one patient, no side effects were encountered. Its effect on heart rate and cardiac output suggest that vasodilatation may contribute to its mode of action. Exercise performance is well maintained and cardiac performance appears to improve when blood pressure is lowered with this drug.