RESUMEN
Objective To evaluate the effect of irbesartan and nifedipine controlled-release tablets on morning blood pressure surge in patients with essential hypertension. Methods Ninety patients with essential hypertension were randomly divided into irbesartan group ( group A, n = 45) and nifedipine group (group B, n =45). Irbesartan tablets 150 mg/d and nifedipine controlled-release tablets 30 mg/d were respectively given in group A and group B for 4 weeks. The levels of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure ( MAP ) and morning blood pressure surge ( MBPS ) before and after treatment were measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results The DBP, SBP, MAP and MBPS levels of two groups after treatment for 4 weeks were all decreased (P < 0.01). All the indexes of group B decreased more significant compared to group A (P < 0.05 ). Conclusion To control blood pressure and prevent morning blood pressure surge, nifedipine controlled-release tablets are better than irbesartan.