[Long-term treatment of hypertension with a selective beta-1-blockader without sympathomimetic activity. II. Changes in the structure and function of the left ventricle].

The effect of the 6 months long treatment with the Hungarian selective beta-1-blocker Betaloc (Metoprolol) on the structure and function of the left ventricle was studied in 30 hypertensive patients--II stage (with echocardiographically proved left ventricular hypertrophy) by means of simultaneous recording of M-type echocardiogram, ACG, PCG and ECG. The telediastolic thickness of the septum and the posterior wall and the left ventricular muscular mass decrease at the end of the 6-th month (p less than 0.0001). The telesystolic dimension and volume decrease (p less than 0.0001) in the 6-th month without changes in the telediastolic dimension and volume (p greater than 0.32). The shortening fraction and the ejection fraction increase (p less than 0.0001), Vcf increases insignificantly (p greater than 0.05). The isovolumetric relaxation shortens (p less than 0.0001), the active suction period lengthens (p less than 0.0001) as well as the fast filling period (p less than 0.0027). By controlling the arterial pressure and suppressing the sympathetic stimulation of the heart the prolonged Betaloc treatment leads to reversion of the hypertrophy and improves the left ventricular function.