Go. Yonga et al., METABOLIC EFFECTS OF PROPRANOLOL AND HYDROFLUMETHIAZIDE TREATMENT IN KENYANS WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION, East African medical journal, 70(11), 1993, pp. 696-700
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.