Effects of a single dose of oral estrogen on left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive postmenopausal women with diastolic dysfunction.

Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of a single dose of oral estrogen on left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive postmenopausal women with diastolic dysfunction.

Design: Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study.

Setting: Cardiology and postmenopausal outpatient clinics of a university hospital.

The Effects of Amlodipine on Left Ventricular Mass and Diastolic Function in Concentric and Eccentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: The effects of the antihypertensive therapy with amlodipine (5-10 mg/day) on left ventricular mass and diastolic function were examined in 30 mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients who have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Each patient's left ventricular mass was measured, and left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by echocardiographic Doppler examination at entry, and at 3 and 6 months after the initiation of the treatment. Amlodipine reduced both blood pressure (from 164 +/- 14/104 +/- 6 mmHg to 134 +/- 9/83 +/- 4 mmHg) and left ventricular mass index (from 160 +/- 30 g/m(2) to 137 +/- 26 g/m(2)) significantly at 3 months and both parameters maintained at these levels for 6 months.