The effect of indapamide on muscle blood flow in hypertensive patients.

The effect of indapamide on the peripheral circulation was investigated in hypertensive patients using a xenon washout technique. Resting muscle blood flow increased by 38% after 1 week's treatment in 5 patients and by 52.6% after 6 weeks treatment in 4 patients. Exercise muscle blood flow increased by 18% in 4 patients after 6 weeks' treatment. Resting supine and standing blood pressure was decreased by indapamide after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. Exercise systolic blood pressure was not changed by indapamide. The results in this pilot study suggest that peripheral resistance is reduced by a direct action on the vessel wall.