Effects of short- and long-term administration of nifedipine on serum lipoprotein metabolism in patients with mild hypertension

The effects of short- and long-term administration of nifedipine on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins (apo) were studied. Administration of nifedipine capsule for 4 months significantly decreased triglycerides and increased the HDL2 cholesterol and the HDL2/HDL3 cholesterol ratio. No significant changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were observed during short-term therapy with slow-release nifedipine tablets. Following administration of tablets for 24 months, the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, apo B, and apo B/apo A-I ratio increased at 12 months, but reverted to baseline values at 24 months. Apo E levels were decreased significantly at 24 months. No significant changes were noted in total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, HDL2,3 cholesterol, apo A-I, apo A-II, apo C-II, or apo C-III levels during long-term therapy with slow-release nifedipine tablets. These results indicate that nifedipine has a neutral or even favorable effect on lipoprotein metabolism. However, a prospective well-controlled study would be required to finally establish this effect. This finding strengthens the indications for using nifedipine as a first-line drug in the long-term treatment of hypertension.