Evaluation of antihypertensive effect and tolerance of ramipril (Polpril) in patients with essential mild/moderate arterial hypertension

Abstract

Background Arterial hypertension is a known, independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Elevated values of blood pressure (BP) increase cardiovascular mortality and are related to higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. It was observed that myocardial infarction and stroke occur more often in the early morning hours.
Previous studies have shown that health-related quality of life is approximately 10-20% decreased in patients with treated and untreated arterial hypertension compared to healthy patients.
The aim of the study was to determine the effects of ramipril on arterial blood pressure in the office blood pressure measurements and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and evaluation of prevalence of the side effects and quality of life during therapy with ramipril.
Material and methods 100 patients with primary, mildmoderate arterial hypertension diagnosis based on traditional measurements were qualified for research. Patients aged 25 to 70 (mean age 42.9 ± 8.2) have been studied. Antihypertensive therapy was based on ramipril (5 mg daily). After 4 weeks of antihypertensive therapy if SBP > 140 and/or DBP > 90 mm Hg, dose of ramipril was doubled. Office BP measurements and ABPM were performed. Evaluation of the subjective wellbeing was taken.
Results During the study significant decrease of SBP and DBP in the office measurements were observed (13.27/9.12 mm Hg). We also confirmed reduction of BP in 24-h ABPM (p < 0.001). We observed significant improvement of the general feeling and LDL and HDL level.
Conclusion Ramipril administered in monotherapy has strong hypotensive effect during 24-hours. Therapy with ramipril was well tolerated by the patients.
Arterial Hypertension 2010, vol. 14, no 6, pages 434-442