Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive elderly patients with carvedilol.

In hypertensive patients, the development of left ventricular hypertrophy seems to increase the risk of cardiovascular death although some antihypertensive agents have been associated with regression in left ventricular hypertrophy. A few studies have evaluated the carvedilol, a new drug having a balanced pharmacology of vasodilatation and beta-receptor blockade, particularly in elderly hypertensive patients. To test its effects on left ventricular hypertrophy, patients with essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy were studied before and at the end of 6 months of therapy with 25 mg of carvedilol daily.