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Effects of amlodipine on platelet aggregation and blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension
R Hernández1, A R Carvajal, M J Armas-de Hernandez
1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
Insights
Amlodipine effectively lowers blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. This study shows that 10 mg of amlodipine daily is safe and improves cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition.
- Effective and safe antihypertensive medications are crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amlodipine in treating mild to moderate hypertension.
- To assess the impact of amlodipine on blood pressure, heart rate, and platelet aggregation.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week study involving ten patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
- Patients received amlodipine 5 mg daily, with a dose increase to 10 mg for some.
- Measurements included blood pressure, heart rate, and platelet aggregation at various time points.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in blood pressure were observed across different positions and after exercise.
- No significant change in heart rate before and after treatment, but a slight increase noted 6 hours post-administration.
- Amlodipine significantly reduced platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and collagen.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine, particularly at a 10 mg daily dose, is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate hypertension.
- The drug demonstrates beneficial effects on blood pressure and platelet function.
- Further research may explore long-term cardiovascular benefits.
Abstract:
Ten patients (mean age, 46 years) with mild to moderate hypertension received 5 mg of amlodipine daily for 12 weeks. The amlodipine dose was increased to 10 mg daily in 4 patients whose blood pressure remained > or = 90 mmHg during the first 8 weeks. After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, mean blood pressures in the supine, sitting, and standing positions and after exercise were reduced significantly. Heart rate did not change significantly from before to after treatment. Six hours after amlodipine administration, however, slight but significant increases in heart rate were noted at rest and after exercise. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate or collagen was significantly reduced 6 hours after amlodipine. One patient reported headache after the 10-mg dose of amlodipine. No other side effects were noted. It is concluded that 10 mg of amlodipine once daily is safe and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.