7B.04: EFFECT OF SERTRALINE IN PAROXYSMAL HYPERTENSION

• Published in: Journal of hypertension Vol. 33 Suppl 1; p. e93
• Main Authors: Vaclavik, J, Krenkova, A, Kocianova, E, Vaclavik, T, Kamasova, M, Taborsky, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.06.2015
• ISSN: 1473-5598
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000467601.49032.62

Paroxysmal hypertension or pseudopheochromocytoma is a quite common problem in clinical practice. Anxiety or panic disorder may be one of the major causes. Optimal treatment for this condition is not established. Between April 2008 and October 2014 we prospectively enrolled 70 patients referred to our department for symptomatic paroxysmal hypertension. Patients received sertraline (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 50 mg once daily) as an add-on to their current medication. Effect of this treatment was assessed on next clinical visit at least 3 months later. Of the 70 enrolled patients, 58 (83%) had also sustained arterial hypertension. Mean office baseline blood pressure (BP) was 146.7/84.3 mmHg and patients used mean 3.0 antihypertensive drugs. 19 patients (27%) were not using sertraline on next clinical visit (6 did not start using sertraline, 10 withdrew because of side effects, 3 were lost to follow-up). Of the remaining 51 patients who were using sertraline on next clinical visit, 46 (90%) reported good effect of this treatment. Symptoms of paroxysmal hypertension fully subsided in 31 (61%) and were partially reduced in 15 (29%). Mean office BP in patients using sertraline decreased by 13.8/8.5 mmHg (P < 0.001 for both). Sertraline effectively takes away or reduces symptoms of paroxysmal hypertension in majority of patients who use and tolerate this treatment.