Comparative assessment of a calcium antagonist with controlled release of nifedipine and enalapril in arterial hypertension in subjects older than 60 years

: We compared antihypertensive effects and organoprotective action of a calcium antagonist nifedipine RD and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in subjects older than 60 years with systolic diastolic (group 1) and isolated (group 2) I-II degree arterial hypertension. Subgroups of patients receiving nifedipine RD, enalapril, or combination therapy were distinguished. We used ultrasound methods for measurement of parameters of hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic function of the heart, increments of diameter and blood flow velocity in brachial artery during test with reactive hyperemia. Nifedipine RD appeared to be the drug of choice in elderly persons with isolated systolic form of arterial hypertension. Combination of calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors in resistant hypertension in the elderly lead to achievement of target values of blood pressure and potentiation of organoprotective action of drugs.