Regression of cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive patients—comparison of Abana with propranolol

The effect of Abana and propranolol on left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive individuals was studied by echocardiography. The study showed an improvement in cardiac function as indicated by an increase in ejection fraction and fractional shortening in both the Abana- and propranolol-treated groups. A decrease in cardiac mass with propranolol was seen at 12 weeks and was maintained up to 36 weeks. With Abana the reduction in mass was seen from 18 weeks onwards and lasted up to 42 weeks. In five patients on Abana and two on propranolol, the trial was continued for a further period of 84 weeks, but the effects seen at 84 weeks were not significantly different from these at 60 weeks. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.