A comparative study of effects of nebivolol and atenolol on blood pressure and lipid profile in patients of mild to moderate hypertension

Abstract

Background: Beta blockers have been used in the treatment of hypertension, since last four decades and are widely accepted as the first-line treatment for hypertension. Nebivolol, a third generation β-blocker has highest β1 selectivity and is devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Along with peripheral vasodilatation and nitric oxide (NO)-induced benefits such as antioxidant activity and reversal of endothelial dysfunction, nebivolol promotes better protection from cardiovascular events. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of atenolol and nebivolol on both blood pressure and lipid profile in patients of mild to moderate hypertension.Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, parallel, open labelled study. Patients were recruited from the medicine out-patient department (OPD) and cardiology OPD. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. 50 patients were allocated to atenolol group and 50 patients to nebivolol group. BP and baseline investigations such as lipid profile were performed. Tests to determine lipid profile were performed on the first visit (Week 0) and at 24 weeks. Continuous variables between the two treatment groups were analyzed by unpaired t-test. Efficacy endpoints within the group were analyzed by using paired t-test.Results: All the lipid levels except HDL-C were increased with atenolol therapy. At 24 weeks, atenolol therapy led to increase in LDL-C, VLDL-C, TC and TG which was highly significant (p<0.0001). HDL levels were decreased at 24 weeks which was also statistically highly significant (p<0.0001). The mean values of lipids in nebivolol group at baseline and at 24 weeks. At 24 weeks, nebivolol therapy led to changes in LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, TC and TG which was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusions: From study it can be concluded that atenolol and nebivolol are equally effective in reducing BP but atenolol worsens lipid profile as compared to nebivolol.