DIFFERENCES IN THE HEMODYNAMIC-EFFECTS OF ACEBUTOLOL AND PROPRANOLOL DURING LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

The aim of this study was to compare the haemodynamic effects of acebu tolol, a beta1-selective adrenoceptor blocker with intrinsic sympathom imetic activity, and propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blo cker without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. 44 males aged 35 to 5 9 (mean 49.7 +/- 1.0) years with mild to moderate arterial hypertensio n (diastolic blood pressure 95 to 114mm Hg) without severe concomitant diseases requiring medication, and without contraindications to beta- adrenoceptor blockade, were included in this double-blind randomised p arallel group study. It was shown that during 12 weeks' treatment the magnitude and duration of the antihypertensive effect of acebutolol 40 0 or 800mg daily did not differ from that of propranolol 80 or 160mg d aily. However, there was a trend towards more patients achieving a ful l or partial antihypertensive effect with acebutolol than propranolol. Moreover, bradycardia was more pronounced with propranolol. The antih ypertensive effect of acebutolol was observed after 2 weeks and mainta ined throughout all 12 weeks of treatment. Unlike propranolol, acebuto lol did not cause such unwanted haemodynamic effects as decreased card iac output and increased total peripheral resistance. Acebutolol was w ell tolerated.