Prevalence of Calcium Channel Blocker Induced Ankle Edema and its Treatment in a Cohort of Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients

Background: Calcium channel blockers are widely prescribed either as monotherapies or in combination therapies in the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. One of the major challenges with this class of drugs is their association with difficult to treat peripheral edema. There is limited literature evidence on the incidence and severity of CCB induced edema and the efficacy of management practices in developing countries. This study therefore aims to assess incidence and the common treatments. Methods: A total of 193 eligible subjects were enrolled into an eight week study and allocated into three treatment groups for each drug [Amlodipine 10mg or Nifedipine 20mg]. One group received no intervention, while the other two groups received either Bendrofluthiazide 5mg [BDF] or Lisinopril 5mg depending on blood pressure or other patient factors. Edema was monitored every two weeks throughout the study using standard tools. The data were analyzed using students t test, one way ANOVA and descriptive statistics as appropriate. P values ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results/Discussion: The overall incidence of edema was about 29% at the end of the study period. Lisinopril addition to therapy resulted in significant reduction in incidence and severity of edema as opposed to other interventions. This suggests that ACEIs have a positive role in minimizing incidence of peripheral edema. Conclusion: Peripheral edema remains a complication factor in CCB therapy and ACEIs may be considered in management of edema induced by this class of drugs.