Long-term haemodynamic effects of amlodipine at rest and during exercise in essential hypertension.

Amlodipine administered once daily (5-10 mg) lowered blood pressure and reduced total peripheral resistance in patients with mild-to-severe essential hypertension without any reflex tachycardia. Heart pump function was maintained at rest and during exercise with a trend towards an increase in cardiac and stroke index. Amlodipine was effective and well tolerated in both young and elderly hypertensive patients with no reports of unpleasant vasodilator-related side effects.