Age-related aspects of hypotensive action of calcium antagonists in patients with hypertension

Efficacy of different dihydropyridine (nifedipine SR, isradipine SRO, and a mlodipine) and nondihydropyridine (diltiazem PP) calcium antagonists was st udied in 128 patients with mild and moderate hypertension. Hypotensive acti vity of calcium antagonists was found to be age related. Effect of diltiaze m on systolic blood pressure was more pronounced and that on diastolic bloo d pressure - less pronounced in older patients. These findings should be co nsidered in management of hypertension in the elderly especially in those w ith systolic hypertension.