METABOLIC EFFECTS OF PROPRANOLOL AND HYDROFLUMETHIAZIDE TREATMENT IN KENYANS WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION

In a prospective single-blind comparative trial, sixty newly diagnosed mild to moderate hypertensives were randomly assigned to either propr anolol or hydroflumethiazide monotherapy. Baseline fasting serum gluco se lipid profiles, serum uric acid and potassium levels, were determin ed at the begining of the trial. Repeat levels were determined at comp letion of twelve weeks of treatment. Propranolol treatment significant ly reduced HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.02) and increased both VLDL and tota l serum triglycerides (p < 0.01). Hydroflumethiazide significantly inc reased total and LDL-chole-sterol, fasting serum glucose and uric acid levels (p < 0.01); potassium levels were significantly lowered (p < 0 .01). Treatment with either propranolol or hydroflumethiazide is assoc iated with significant metabolic side-effects which require regular mo nitoring and intervention as appropriate.