Effect of amlodipine on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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Aim

To evaluate the effect of amlodipine on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material and methods

Twenty eight patients with AH and RA (age 59,0 [53; 63] years, systolic/diastolic BP 147,0 [141; 152]/ 88,0 [82; 92] mmHg) were treated with amlodipine in an open-label 24-week study. Office and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and evaluation of arterial stiffness were performed before treatment and at 24 weks. Arterial stiffness was assessed by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Results

Amlodipine significantly decreased office and ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP (p<0,05-0,01). After amlodipine treatment, R-CAVI decreased from 8,6 [7,4; 9,2] to 8,2 [6,6; 8,8] (p=0,005), and L-CAVI decreased from 8,5 [7,5; 9,4] to 7,6 [7,0; 8,9] (p=0,0004). Conclusion. Amlodipine has a significant

Conclusion

Amlodipine has a significant antihypertensive effect and reduces arterial stiffness in patients with AH and RA.

Key words

Arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, arterial stiffness, amlodipine.