ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
timolol
;
hydrochlorthiazide
;
amiloride
;
efficiency of antihypertensive treatment
;
age effects
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary 103 patients with arterial hypertension were treated with timolol + placebo for 7 weeks in a multicentre trial, and with timolol + hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride for a further 7-week period. The decrease in blood pressure (BP) produced by timolol alone was influenced neither by the dose of timolol, initial heart rate, magnitude of pretreatment BP nor by age. 64% of the patients 〈40 years of age, and 48% of the older patients, were well regulated on beta-blocker monotherapy. When the diuretic was given in addition, the BP response in the older age group improved, whereas younger patients showed no change. A significant correlation was found between age or magnitude of untreated BP and the decrease in BP caused by the diuretic. The cardiothoracic ratio increased significantly on timolol alone, whereas no change was found on the combined therapy. Weight changes in the two different treatment periods showed a significant correlation, but they were not related to the observed reduction in BP. The results suggest that in younger patients, beta-blocker therapy is just as effective as a combined treatment with a diuretic, whereas in older patients considerably better regulation is achieved by combined therapy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00605627
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