Clinical efficacy of a novel beta-blocker nebivolol in patients with hypertension. Results of a multicenter study

Efficacy of a novel cardioselective beta-blocker with vasodilating properti es nebivolol was studied in 90 patients with hypertension. Nebivolol was gi ven for 24 weeks as monotherapy with supplemental hydrochlorothiazide if bl ood pressure lowering was insufficient. After 4 weeks of therapy significan t reduction of systolic (-14,7%) and diastolic (-16,4%) blood pressure occu rred. After 24 weeks lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressure achi eved -21,3 and 22,1%, respectively, being more pronounced in patients with higher initial level. Average effective dose of nebivolol was 6,05 mg. Most patients with mild hypertension received 5 mg. Increase of the dose did no t augment antihypertensive effect and in most patients with moderate hypert ension addition of hydrochlorothiazide was required. In patients who receiv ed such combination therapy its effect was similar to results of monotherap y. After 24 weeks myocardial mass decreased by 10,6% (p<0,05). Nebivolol al so affected favorably 24-hour blood pressure rhythm.