Multicentre Study of the Efficacy and Tolerance of Acebutolol versus Atenolol in the Long Term Treatment of Mild Arterial Hypertension

Summary

The efficacy, tolerance and effect on serum lipids of acebutolol were compared with those of atenolol over a 6- month period in a large group of patients with mild arterial hypertension.

Both drugs were equally effective in reducing blood pressure, and tolerance was generally excellent. High density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations were reduced to a similar extent by both treatments at 2 months and this change was reflected in measurements of the total cholesterol concentrations. However, no significant changes occurred in serum triglyceride levels and at 6 months all serum lipid parameters had returned to baseline values.

These observations suggest that cardioselective β-blockers have no adverse effects on serum lipids at 6 months, after a temporary reduction of HDL-cholesterol at 2 months.