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

Abstract

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.

• Authors: F G Dunn, H O Ventura, F H Messerli, I Kobrin, E D Frohlich
• Journal: Circulation (Circulation) Vol. 76 Issue 2 Pg. 254-8 (Aug 1987) ISSN: 0009-7322 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2955954 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Atenolol

Topics

• Adult
• Atenolol (therapeutic use)
• Cardiomegaly (drug therapy, etiology)
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hypertension (complications, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged