Comparison of circadian blood pressure profile in Stage 2-3 arterial hypertension patients receiving different antihypertensive combinations

Abstract

Aim. To compare the dynamics of various parameters of circadian blood pressure profile (BP CP) and to assess the selection criteria for two combinations of the first-choice antihypertensive agents (AHA): angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor plus thiazide diuretic (TD) or angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARA) and calcium antagonist (CA) in patients with moderate to severe arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. This randomised study included 66 men aged 35-60 years with Stage 2-3 AH. Group I (n=37) received the combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (ENP + HCT; 20/12,5 mg/d), while Group II (n=29) was administered the combination of valsartan and S-amlodipine (VAL + S-AMD; 160/5 mg/d). All medications were taken daily, once a day. At baseline and after 12 weeks of the treatment, all participants underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM). The analysed parameters included: mean values and variability of systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP), time index and pressure load index for SBP and DBP over 24 hours, dayand night-time, magnitude and velocity of SBP and DBP morning surge (MS), and diurnal/nocturnal BP ratio. Results. Twelve-week therapy with combinations significantly reduced mean SBP and DBP levels in patients with moderate to severe AH, regardless of the time of the day/night. It was also associated with reduced BP variability, mostly during the day-time. The ENP+HCT combination was more effective in terms of SBP MS reduction, while the VAL+S-AMD combination effect was more pronounced for DBP MS prevention. The VAL+S-AMD combination significantly improved diurnal/nocturnal BP ratio. Conclusion. The results obtained should be considered in the design of the antihypertensive combination therapy for Stage 2-3 AH patients with “non-dipper”, “night-peaker”, and “over-dipper” types of the two-phase BP CP.