Evaluation of hypotensive effect of telmisartan and telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Abstract

Background Arterial hypertension is 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. That’s way BP should be controlled through out the whole day and especially in the morning hours. The aim of the study was to evaluate the twenty-four-hour efficacy and safety of telmisartan and telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in treatment of arterial hypertension in clinical practice, in ambulatory patients, and especially to evaluate if combined therapy reveals additionally benefits in control of BP in the morning hours.
Material and methods A total of 320 patients in age above 18 years, with untreated, primary hypertension of I or II degree were recruited to the study. Telmisartan in dose of 40 mg or 80 mg or telmisartan with HCTZ (telmisartan 80 mg/ /HCTZ 12.5 mg) were prescribed to the patients. The study group was observed for 8 weeks. Office BP measurements and ABPM were performed.
Results During the study significant decrease of BP in ABPM in the morning hours (mean SBP 22.21 ± 11.11 mm Hg, mean DBP 11.62 ± 10.06 mm Hg) and significant decrease of office SBP and DBP measurements were observed.
Conclusion Telmisartan administered in monotherapy and as well as in combined therapy was very well tolerated by the patients, through out the whole study.