Assessment of the comparative efficiency of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients who are old and senile with stage 3, grade 2–3 hypertension

BACKGROUND: The problem of sex differences in the treatment of hypertension is currently relevant because of the different disease course in men and women. Particular attention should be paid to the age aspect of the problem, since the clinical and hemodynamic parameters of arterial hypertension (AH) in patients who are old and senile have their specifics.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the sex aspect of the comparative efficiency of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) perindopril and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) losap, losartan, and lorista patients who are old and senile with stage 3, grade 2–3 hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 185 patients with stage 3, grade 2–3 hypertension were examined. Two randomized groups of patients were formed depending on the therapy received. Group 1 received ACEI (perindopril), and group 2 patients received ARBs (lozap, losartan, and lorista). Patients kept a diary in which the amount and types of pain, dizziness, and heart palpitations were noted. In addition, the Health, Activity, and Mood Questionnaire and daily self-monitoring of blood pressure every 3 h during the hospital stay and for 2–3 months after discharge were used. The obtained information was processed using variation statistics and the difference method.

RESULTS: The analysis of the comparative efficiency of ARBs and ACEIs revealed significant sex differences in hemodynamic parameters. The ARB group of drugs showed a more pronounced decrease in 24-h blood pressure monitoring (24-h BPM) and the number of pain episodes in the heart area in women compared with men. When using ACEI, no sex difference in the decrease in 24-h BPM indicators was observed. However, significant differences in clinical symptoms of both men and women were found. In women, compared with men, ACEIs had a greater positive effect on the subjective state in points (according to the Health, Activity, and Mood Questionnaire).

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ARB therapy for women who are old and senile with stage 3, grade 2–3 hypertension. For men of a similar age with this pathology, therapy with both ACEIs and ARBs may be recommended.