[Arterial hypertension caused by low renin: comparison of the calcium antagonist nifedipine and the ACE-inhibitor enalapril as to antihypertensive efficacy]

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effects of calcium-entry blocker Nifedipine and ACE-inhibitor Enalapril in hypertensive patients with glucose intolerance that have lower plasma renin activity. A blood sample for basal PRA was obtained from 21 subjects; then, 11 patients received Nifedipine (20 mg. b.i.d.) and 10 Enalapril (20 mg. q.d.). The extent of blood pressure fall after 12 weeks of treatment was inversely related to basal PRA levels in Nifedipine treated group only; however, the hypotensive effect of both drugs was comparable.