Comparison of ketanserin and celiprolol on regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in older hypertensive patients.

Abstract

The effects of ketanserin, a specific serotonin2-receptor agonist, and celiprolol, a new, highly cardioselective beta 1 blocker with partial beta 2 agonist activity and peripheral vasodilating properties, on left ventricular (LV) structure and function were assessed in 60 older hypertensive patients (greater than 55 years) with clinical LV hypertrophy (LV mass index greater than 130 g/m2). The patients were studied using echocardiography after 1 month of placebo treatment, and 6 and 18 months of monotherapy with active drug. Ketanserin and celiprolol lowered blood pressure to normal levels. Heart rate did not change with ketanserin and fell moderately (-5%) with celiprolol (p less than .001). Regression of LV hypertrophy was achieved with the use of either medication (p less than .0001), although the magnitude of reduction in LV mass was greater with celiprolol at both 6 months (-10% vs -5%, p = .001) and 18 months (-13% vs -7%, p = .002). While LV volume did not change with either drug, celiprolol tended to decrease it, resulting in a 5% reduction in cardiac index (p = .01), which was associated with mild bradycardia. Ketanserin did not change LV ejection fraction, whereas celiprolol caused a slight (1.5%) long-term improvement (p = .003). Systolic wall stress and total peripheral resistance decreased with both agents (p less than .01), with no between-group differences. In conclusion, anti-hypertensive treatment of older persons with ketanserin or celiprolol achieves regression of LV hypertrophy without associated deleterious effects on LV function.