Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function in patients showing an antihypertensive and biochemical response to indapamide.

Left ventricular function was evaluated non-invasively in hypertensive patients treated with indapamide by means of echographically determined velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (VCF). A statistically significant reduction in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both the standing and supine position (P less than 0.001) and after exercise, systolic (P less than 0.001) diastolic (P less than 0.05) occurred but no alteration in left ventricular function was found. Blood lipids showed no change from pre-treatment levels. Serum uric acid demonstrated a significant elevation and serum potassium a significant fall but each remained within the normal range. Three patients required potassium supplementation. A significant rise in serum sodium and fall in serum chloride, both remaining within the normal range, occurred.