[Pharmacodynamic effects of lokren (betaxolol) in 3 month treatment of blood hypertension in elderly patients].

Aim: To study efficacy and tolerance of cardioselective beta-adrenoblocker lokren (betaxolol) in elderly patients with mild and moderate hypertension.

Materials And Methods: 25 elderly (mean age 70.2 +/- 1.43 years) hypertensive patients received lokren (a single dose of 10 mg daily for 3 months). The examination comprised routine tests, ECG, rheovasography of the ankle, REG of vertebral and carotid arteries, measurements of ejection fraction, total peripheral vascular resistance, myocardial mass, platelet aggregation, external respiration function, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, beta-lipoprotein.

Results: The treatment produced a significant reduction in systolic (by 32.1% and 32.7% in position, respectively) and diastolic pressure (by 14.2 and 11.8%, respectively). Thickness of the posterior wall of the left ventricular myocardium decreased by 7.7%, ejection fraction by 2.9%, total peripheral vascular resistance went up by 11.5%. Spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation declined. There was an insignificant rise in the levels of cholesterol, beta-lipoproteins, triglycerides, glucose. REG and rheovasography data tended to a small rise. External respiration remained unchanged. The need in nitroglycerin reduced by 58%.

Conclusion: Lokren (betaxolol) can be recommended as effective hypotensive monotherapy of mild and moderate blood hypertension in elderly patients.