Time course of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients treated with atenolol

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy occurs with a number of antihypertensive drugs, but the time course of this regression has not been defined clearly. We obtained echocardiograms at baseline and serially (on seven occasions) during a 1 year treatment period with the beta-adrenergic receptor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1987-08, Vol.76 (2), p.254-258
Main Authors: DUNN, F. G, VENTURA, H. O, MESSERLI, F. H, KOBRIN, I, FROHLICH, E. D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Antihypertensive agents
Atenolol - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiomegaly - drug therapy
Cardiomegaly - etiology
Cardiovascular system
Echocardiography
Electrocardiography
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypertension - complications
Hypertension - drug therapy
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
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Summary:Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy occurs with a number of antihypertensive drugs, but the time course of this regression has not been defined clearly. We obtained echocardiograms at baseline and serially (on seven occasions) during a 1 year treatment period with the beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor atenolol in 12 patients with previously untreated essential hypertension. To ensure control of blood pressure in all patients throughout the study, it was necessary to add a thiazide diuretic to the therapy of five patients. Baseline blood pressure was 155/100 mm Hg and fell to 136/84 mm Hg; there was a 20% reduction in heart rate. Posterior and septal wall thicknesses were reduced from 1.16 +/- 0.03 to 1.06 +/- 0.02 cm (p less than .05) and from 1.28 +/- 0.07 to 1.18 +/- 0.06 cm (p less than .05), respectively; this reduction became significant initially at 4 weeks. Left ventricular mass decreased from 144 +/- 9 to 127 +/- 7 g/m2 (p less than .05) and this fall first became statistically significant at 6 months. Significant reduction in electrocardiographic voltages was also seen at 6 months. Therefore, regression of left ventricular hypertrophy with atenolol-induced blood pressure control occurred as early as 4 weeks after starting therapy and was maintained thereafter without apparent compromise of left ventricular systolic function.
ISSN:0009-7322
1524-4539
DOI:10.1161/01.CIR.76.2.254