[Calcium antagonist vs diuretics. Doppler velocimetric monitoring of the carotid flow in patients with essential hypertension].

BACKGROUND

In the period from 1995 to 1996, 19 patients with a range of 180-200 mmHg and 95-110 mmHg respectively for systolic and diastolic pressure, have been examined by Doppler monitoring.

METHODS

Nine patients were treated with lacidipine (4 mg/die) and 10 were treated with idroclorotiazide + amiloride (50 mg every other day). The IPP and the IDC were end points to value the arterial compliance and the remodynamic flow in common carotid.

RESULTS

The humeral blood pressure was valued every morning and Doppler monitoring of common carotid 30 and 60 day after treatment. The carotid blood flow and cerebral perfusion had a significant amelioration with calcium antagonists and an increase of IDC with a decrease of IPP were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the role of calcium antagonists not only as antihypertensive drug, but also to prevent, to check and to improve progression of ateromatic injury. The conclusions is drawn that Doppler monitoring is a satisfactory scientific method to obtain information on features of arterial wall without excessive cost.