EFFECT OF 3 ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS ON VEN TRICULAR GEOMETRY AND FUNCTION

BACKGROUND: TO assess the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy i n hypertensive patients referred to an outpatient cardiology unit, and to assess its evolution under antihypertensive treatment. METHODS: On e hundred and seven mild to moderate hypertensive patients were random ized to receive either xipamide, verapamil or atenolol. Cross sectiona l echocardiography was performed in order to assess left ventricular m ass and function. RESULTS: Mean age was 56 years, with a 4:1 female/ma le ratio. Mean follow up was 120 days. Left ventricular hypertrophy wa s very common (65%) and decreased to 54% under antihypertensive treatm ent Left ventricular mass decreased from 134,3 g/m(2) to 118,1 g/m(2) (p < 0.001). Concentric hypertrophy was the most common geometric patt ern (42%), decreasing to 30% with treatment. Xipamide decreased ventri cular mass by decreasing left ventricular diameters, while verapamil a nd atenolol decreased left ventricular thickness, mainly in septal wal l. Systolic function was not modified during the treatment period. Dia stolic function was not modified by xipamide and verapamil, and improv ed with atenolol. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular hypertrophy is very fr equent when determined by echocardiography and all three drugs produce d regression of left ventricular hypertrophy In a different way with r espect to left ventricle geometry, an effect which could have potentia l therapeutic implications.