LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CAPTOPRIL VERSUS NIF EDIPINE-RETARD ON MILD-TO-MODERATE ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE NORMOLIPEMIC PATIENTS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term (12 months) effects of captopril and nifedipine retard on the lipid profile of the non ob ese, non diabetic and normolipemic essential hypertensives. In a multi center, randomised, open study we included 185 mild-moderate essential hypertensives responders to captopril (n=96) or nifedipine retard (n= 89) in monotherapy, and with a total cholesterol between 200-239 mg/dl . No dietetic recommendations were given to the patients, except for m oderate salt restriction. After 1 year follow-up, our results show tha t both drugs improved the lipid profile of the hypertensives. Patients with nifedipine retard showed a statistical significant decrease in t he level of the total and LDL cholesterol and apoprotein B; while tota l and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apoproteins significantly dec reased in the group treated with captopril. The possible pharmacologic al mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects are discussed; conc luding that these properties made much more attractive these drugs to be used as first step therapy in the essential hypertensives.