EFFECTS OF FELODIPINE ER, A DIHYDROPYRIDINE CALCIUM-ANTAGONIST, ON BLOOD-PRESSURE AND SERUM-LIPIDS

In an open trial, the antihypertensive efficacy of felodipine and its effects on lipid metabolism were investigated in 117 Nordic patients w ith mild to moderate essential hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. In th e intent-to-treat analysis (n = 106) a significant (p < 0.01) drop in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values was observed bet ween baseline and 24 weeks' treatment from 157/100 mmHg to 145/92 (sup ine) and from 155/103 to 145/96 mmHg (erect). No relevant differences were seen in the mise rate. Median total cholesterol and triglycerides remained unchanged, whereas HDL-cholesterol increased significantly f rom 1.30 mmol/l to 1.33 mmol/l (p < 0.02); LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein Al and apolipoprotein B remained unchanged during the 2 4-week treatment period. In the per protocol analysis (n = 76), blood pressure values changed significantly from 158/100 mmHg to 144/91 mmHg (supine) and from 157/104 mmHg to 143/95 mmHg (erect) (p < 0.01 for b oth). HDL-cholesterol increased significantly (r = 0. 03), whereas LDL - and VLDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well a s the apolipoproteins, remained unchanged during the trial. Felodipine thus proved to possess positive effects on lipid parameters in hypert ensive patients.