Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) augmentation of amlodipine in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and wide pulse pressure: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND

Geriatric patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and wide pulse pressure (PP) were treated using enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) combined with amlodipine versus amlodipine alone.

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of both treatment modalities was assessed based on hemodynamic parameters.

METHODS

Retrospectively included 132 elderly patients with ISH and wide PP in our hospital (Mar 2022-Jun 2024). After exclusion, 120 cases were analyzed and divided into the amlodipine group and the combined group. Primary indicators include endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), systolic blood pressure (SBP), PP, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), coronary flow reserve (CFR), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD); secondary measures include mean arterial pressure (MAP), wall shear stress (WSS) and adverse reaction incidence.

RESULTS

After 4 courses of treatment, patients in the combined group had significantly lower rates of ET-1, SBP, PP, MAP, SVR and the incidence of adverse reactions (all P<0.05); NO, FMD, WSS and CFR were higher (all P<0.05) than in the amlodipine group.

CONCLUSION

EECP plus amlodipine has advantages over amlodipine monotherapy in treating elderly patients with ISH and wide PP, which provides a scientific basis for optimizing clinical treatment.