Hemodynamic effects of nitrendipine on systolic ventricular function, diastolic ventricular function, and peripheral circulation in essential hypertension.

Twenty patients (aged 33-60 years) with mild to moderate essential hypertension were studied to assess systolic ventricular function, diastolic ventricular function, and peripheral hemodynamic changes induced by nitrendipine during rest and effort, comparing the acute and chronic treatment phases. We used a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover protocol in the acute phase and a paired, placebo group controlled study, with 20 mg single oral daily dose for a 3-week treatment period (chronic phase). The cardiac and peripheral hemodynamic parameters were quantified by noninvasive radionuclides techniques.