[Non-hemodynamic effects of calcium channel blocker nifedipine: effects on functional activity of blood cells and endothelium].

Aim: To compare efficacy of long-acting nifedipin (cordipin-XL) and beta-blocker atenolol (tenormin) in hypertensive patients; to assess efficacy of antihypertensive treatment on functional activity of blood and endothelial cells, remodeling of the myocardium and vessels.

Material And Methods: A total of 35 patients with essential hypertension stage II entered the trial. Eighteen of them received cordipin-XL, 17--tenormin.

Results: Contrary to tenormin, cordipin-XL significantly improved blood rheology, reduced functional activity of leukocytes, concentration of Willebrand factor and intercellular adhesive molecules in blood plasm. Positive hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic effects of cordipin-XL were accompanied with reversion of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Conclusion: Non-hemodynamic effects of cordipin-XL associated with improvement of endothelial function and blood rheological properties seem to have an independent role in prophylaxis of cardiovascular complications.