Hypotensive Action and Increased Plasma Renin Activity by Ca2+ Antagonist (Nifedipine) in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

The Ca²⁺ antagonistic coronary vasodilator, Nifedipine, was sublingually administered by a dose of 30mg to 19 patients with hypertension. Blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension (n=14) decreased from 177±24 to 123±13mmHg systolic and from 108±12 to 80±11mmHg diastolic (mean±SD) (p<0.01). Heart rate increased significantly from 73±11 to 85±10 beats/min (p<0.01). Plasma renin activity (PRA) increased significantly from 0.73±0.62 to 1.50±1.02ng/ml/h (p<0.05). The same tendency was observed in malignant and renovascular hypertension. In primary aldosteronism (n=2), blood pressure decreased but PRA did not increase. Hypotensive action and increased plasma renin activity by Ca2+ antagonist, Nifedipine, were clearly demonstrated in patients with hypertension.