Effect of amlodipine on endothelial dysfunction, heart ratevariability and cerebral blood flow in patients with arterialhypertension

Objective. Studying endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD), heart rate variability
(HRV) and cerebral blood flow in elderly patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and coronary heart disease (CHD) receiving
calcium antagonists.
Total of 35 patients aged over 60 years with moderate or severe AH and CHD were examined. All patients underwent
rheography on the arm, HRV and ultrasound dopplerography of the head and neck vessels. All patients received
monotherapy with amlodipine ("Kardiolopin") 2,5 or 5 mg for 2 months.
In patients who received amlodipine 2,5 mg, endothelial reaction to reactive hyperemia was weaker than that in patients
who received amlodipine 5 mg. HRV was significantly improved in both groups. However, if sympathetic tone is
elevated, then combination therapy with beta-blockers is necessary. Cerebral blood flow improved, too, indices of peripheral
resistance in certain blood streams were reduced, especially in patients who received amlodipine 5 mg.
The data obtained may be used as additional criteria of effectiveness of the therapy in elderly patients.

arterial hypertension, elderly patients, endothelial dysfunction, amlodipine, heart rate variability, cerebral blood flow