Non-invasive haemodynamic study in hypertensive subjects after treatment with verapamil slow release

Aim of this study is to investigate the haemodynamic effects, after the short and long-term antihypertensive treatment. After a wash-out period and a placebo treatment period, 30 hypertensive patients received verapamil SR (slow release, 240 mg o.d.) for 30 days. A significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained already 4 h after the first administration of verapamil; it was more evident and persistent throughout the study. No significant changes of heart rate or PR interval in ECG were observed. A significant decrease in total vascular resistances, both supine and upright, was evident already 4 h after the drug intake and observed throughout the study. The major effect was obtained after one month. No significant changes of cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume were recorded. Furthermore, plasma verapamil levels were measured to confirm that the haemodynamic effects are obtained by low drug concentrations. The present study provides evidence that the antihypertensive effect of verapamil, whose mechanism is the reduction of total vascular resistances, is progressive, long acting and achieved by low plasma levels, when slow release formulation is considered.