Metabolic predictors of hypertension

Hypertensive subjects have increased cardiovascular risk factors including dyslipidemia and increased rates of diabetes and hypertension. Insulin resi stance is increased in hypertensive subjects, especially lean subjects. Inc reased insulin resistance in hypertensive subjects may partially mediate th e more atherogenic pattern of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic subje cts. Hypertensive subjects are also at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes possibly by increasing insulin resistance. Hypertensive subjects a t particularly high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (i.e. obese or with a family history of type 2 diabetes) should avoid beta-blockers and thiazid es, J Hypertens 1999, 17 (suppl 3): S23-S28 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.