Effect of Amlodipine/Valsartan Versus Nebivolol/Valsartan Fixed Dose Combinations on Peripheral and Central Blood Pressure

Introduction: Although hypertensive drugs may have the same effect on peripheral blood pressure, they vary in their effect on central blood pressure and its indices. Aim: To evaluate efficacy of fixed-dose combination of amlodipine 10 mg/valsartan 160 mg versus nebivolol 5 mg/valsartan 160 mg in grade 2 or more hypertensive patients assessed by peripheral and central blood pressure. Methods: A prospective, open label, randomized study done in the outpatient cardiology clinic at Beni-Suef University Hospital. A total of 137 patients continued the study; group I (n = 75) received Amlodipine 10 mg/Valsartan 160 mg (A/V) and group II (n = 62) received Nebivolol 5 mg/Valsartan 160 mg (N/V). Peripheral, central blood pressure and its indices were measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: The two combinations reduced peripheral and central BP (P < 0.0001) after 6 and 12 weeks. A/V combination significantly reduces central Pulse Pressure (PP) after 6 and 12 weeks (− 8.53 ± 13.80 and − 10.17 ± 11.29 (P < 0.0001) respectively), while N/V showed its efficacy in reducing central PP after 12 weeks (− 7.03 ± 13.10, P = 0.005). A/V combination was more effective in reducing Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) after 6 and 12 weeks; P < 0.0001 vs P = 0.004. After 6 weeks, N/V was more effective in reducing Augmentation Index (AIx) (− 6.00 ± 10.94 (P = 0.002) vs. − 3.44 ± 9.80 (P = 0.026)) while after 12 weeks A/V did not show any significance (P = 0.085). Conclusions: Both treatment groups lowered patients’ peripheral, central blood pressure after 6 and 12 week of treatment, but Amlodipine/Valsartan combination was more effective. Both treatments exerted different effects on central indices.