Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy following once daily administration of felodipine for two years to elderly subjects with isolated systolic hypertension

Left ventricular mass sometimes decreases during the treatment of hypertens ion. In a two-year open study, we investigated the ability of extended rele ase (ER) felodipine (5 or 10 mg), plus chlorthalidone (25 mg), given once d aily, to reduce left ventricular mass in 84 elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Drug dosage was determined in an initial stepped-car e titration phase lasting six weeks. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased after two years of treatment with 5 or 10 mg of felodipine (p < 0.001) and the left ventricular mass index decreased too (p < 0.0001). One or two wee ks after withdrawal of therapies, blood pressure returned to pretreatment v alues. We concluded that left ventricular mass can be reduced in elderly pa tients with isolated systolic hypertension and ventricular hypertrophy who receive felodipine 5-10 mg once daily. This treatment was generally well to lerated. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.