Comparative effects of fosinopril and nifedipine on regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: a double-blind study.

The effects of fosinopril and nifedipine on left ventricular (LV) mass were evaluated in 35 hypertensive patients with LV mass index greater than 110 g/m2 in female and 130 g/m2 in male patients. The goal of therapy was also to obtain a seated diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) of less than 90 mmHg. The patients were studied by echocardiography after 2 weeks of placebo treatment and 4, 12, and 24 weeks of monotherapy with active drugs. Both fosinopril and nifedipine reduced SDBP to a normal level after 6 months of treatment (p < .001). Regression of LV hypertrophy was achieved by either agent (p < .001), with fosinopril being more effective than nifedipine (p < .002). In conclusion, both fosinopril and nifedipine effectively reduce SDBP and achieve important regression of LV hypertrophy.