SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF LOSARTAN THERAPY ON HAEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS: PP.5.223

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of antihypertensive therapy with losartan, alone or combined with hydrochlorthiaside, on blood pressure and hemodynamics parameters of hypertensive patients. Design and Methods: The study comprised 76 patients (36 men and 40 women) with arterial hypertension (grade I or II), aged 60.93 ± 10.51 years. Ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM, using Space Labs 90202) and thoracic bioelectric impedance (TBI, using Task-Force monitor) were performed to estimate haemodynamic parameters (peripheral vascular resistance, PVR, and blood volume, BV). The subjects who had increased PVR [32 patients (12 men and 20 women)] were treated with 50 mg losartan per day. Those with increased both PVR and BV [44 patients (21 men and 23 women)] were treated with 50 mg losartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorthiaside per day. Short-term effects of therapy were assessed after 30 and 60 days. Results: After a two months therapy both groups experienced a significant decrease of blood pressure. Patients with increased PVR responded to losartan therapy with significant decrease of PVR after 30 and 60 days (PVRbeginning=68.5 ± 14.0; PVR30days=36.0 ± 11.5; PVR60days=9.5 ± 9.0; p < 0.001). The group treated with losartan and hydrochlorthiaside showed significant decrease of PVR (PVRbeginning=42.5 ± 11.0; PVR30days=26.5 ± 10.0; PVR60days=15.5 ± 9.0; p < 0.001) and blood volume (BVbeginning=39.0 ± 12.0; BV30days=22.0 ± 9.5; BV60days=11.0 ± 8.5; p < 0.001). Heart rate remained unchanged during the treatment in both groups. Conclusion: Short-term therapy of losartan in patients with arterial hypertension was efficient in reducing blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance. The combination of losartan and hydrochlorthiaside could in addition reduce patient's blood volume.