The use of long acting diltiazem for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly

Twenty four hour blood pressure and some laboratory and functional methods of investigation were used for assessment of efficacy and safety of long ac ting diltiazem (180 mg b.i.d.) in 30 patients above 65 years with mild and moderate hypertension. Diltiazem was effective as monotherapy in 63% and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide - in 90% of patients. The drug caused smooth and stable lowering of both diurnal and nocturnal blood pressures a nd diminished meteo-dependence of hypertension. It was metabolically inert, well tolerated, and did not cause negative changes of hemostasis and pulmo nary ventilation. Moreover, diltiazem exerted antianginal activity. Thus lo ng-acting diltiazem can be recommended for the treatment of hypertension in elderly patients.