Effects of calcium channel blocking agents on hypertensive diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

Twenty non-insulin-dependent hypertensive diabetic patients were treated for four weeks with Ca++ channel blocking agents for the hypertension. They were divided into two groups, each included ten patients of matched age and sex. The first group received verapamil in oral dose of 240 mg in three divided doses and the second group received nifedipine in oral dose of 80 mg divided also into three doses. The results showed that oral verapamil and nifedipine produced significant reduction in both supine and upright heart rate and blood pressure. Serum creatinine was reduced after treatment in both groups. Abnormal fasting and postprandial blood glucose level were significantly reduced after treatment with oral hypoglycemics in association with Ca++ channel blocking agents. Serum lipoproteins and total serum cholesterol did not show any statistical difference after treatment with both drugs