[Long-term effects of captopril versus nifedipine retard on the lipid profile of mild to moderate normolipidemic essential hypertension patients. In representation of the Eastern Andalouz Cooperative Study].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term (12 months) effects of captopril and nifedipine retard on the lipid profile of the non obese, non diabetic and normolipemic essential hypertensives. In a multicenter, randomised, open study we included 185 mild-moderate essential hypertensives responders to captopril (n = 96) or nifedipine retard (n = 89) in monotherapy, and with a total cholesterol between 200-239 mg/dl. No dietetic recommendations were given to the patients, except for moderate salt restriction. After 1 year follow-up, our results show that both drugs improved the lipid profile of the hypertensives. Patients with nifedipine retard showed a statistical significant decrease in the level of the total and LDL cholesterol and apoprotein B; while total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apoproteins significantly decreased in the group treated with captopril. The possible pharmacological mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects are discussed; concluding that these properties made much more attractive these drugs to be used as first step therapy in the essential hypertensives.