Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Amlodipine, Cilnidipine, and Calcium Channel Antagonists on the QT Interval in Hypertensive Patients

Background: 12-lead electrocardiography measures the length of the QT interval, which is a marker of myocardial repolarization and is frequently used to characterize cardiac abnormalities, identify cardiac toxicity, and assess drug safety. After controlling for the impact of other risk variables, the QT interval in hypertension can predict the risk of both coronary events and cardiovascular death. Calcium channel blockers are the first-line medication for treating hypertension, according to the American Heart Association and JNC VIII. Numerous investigations have shown that amlodipine and cilnidipine, when taken at comparable doses, have an equipotent antihypertensive impact. Aims of this study to compare and evaluate the effects of calcium channel antagonists amlodipine and cilnidipine on QT interval among hypertensive patients. Methods: During that time, 129 patients in all were screened, evaluated, and recruited as study participants. Following enrollment, the patients were split into one category: hypertensive patients (n = 80). Amlodipine (2.5–10 mg) or cilnidipine (5–20 mg) with or without an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was administered to a subset of patients, and (2) hypertensive patients with managed diabetes (n = 49) Selected participants were given antidiabetic medicine combined with either amlodipine (2.5–10 mg) or cilnidipine (5–20 mg), with or without an ARB. QT interval/√ (relative risk [RR] interval), where RR interval = 60/heart rate, is calculated using Bazett’s method (the most often used), with normal QTc ≤440 ms. Patients with hypertension had their QT intervals tested both at baseline and after a year of medication. Results: Although there was no therapeutic significance, there was a very significant decrease in QTc with cilnidipine therapy and a significant increase with amlodipine medication. Extremely significant and clinically important differences between amlodipine and cilnidipine were observed while comparing their effects. Conclusion: According to this study, cilnidipine is a better option than amlodipine for patients with a lengthy QT interval since it shortens the QTc interval.