Diuretics and beta-blockers: Is there a risk for dyslipidemia?

Background Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly in combination with other risk factors such as obesity, smokin g, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Effective management of hypertension, even a modest reduction in blood pressure, results in reduced mortality and morbi dity from cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease. Methods Date from clinical trials were examined to assess the effect of low -dose diuretics or beta-blockers on lipoprotein profile. Results Results of numerous clinical trials demonstrate that low doses of t hiazides or cardioselective beta-blockers alone or in combination result in minimal changes in lipid profile. Conclusions Low doses of thiazide diuretics or beta-blockers ore a safe and effective approach to the management of uncomplicated essential hypertensi on and have the advantage of on association with an evidence-based reductio n in morbidity and mortality in long-term clinical trials, there is little or no evidence that the minimal changes in serum lipid profile associated w ith use of these drugs have resulted in a negation of the beneficial effect s of these agents on blood pressure.