Assessment of Effect and Safety of Beta Blockers in Hypertensive Patients

ABSTRACT

Background: To assess effect and safety of beta blockers in hypertensive patients.Material & Methods:One hundred twelve adult patients who were diagnosed cases of hypertension of either gender were divided into 2 groups. Each group contained 56 patients. Group I received 25 mg atenolol twice daily and group II received 25 mg metoprolol tartrate twice daily. History of diabetes, kidney disease, lipid disorder, incident cardiovascular (CV) events etc. was recorded. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was recorded before starting and after starting the drug therapy.Results:Age group 20-40 years had 12 in group I and 11 in group II, 41-60 years had 14 in group I and 17 in group II and >60 years had 30 in group I and 28 in group II. There were 40 males and 16 females in group I and 38 males and 18 females in group II. A significant difference in males and females within the group (P< 0.05) and non- significant intergroup difference was observed (P> 0.05). The mean SBP found to be 149.4 mm Hg in group I and 146.7 mm Hg in group II and DBP was 85.4 mm Hg in group I and 83.6 mm Hg in group II at baseline and SBP was 135.4 mm Hg in group I and 134.6 mm Hg in group II and 78.2 mm Hg in group I and 78.0 mm Hg in group II at 6 months. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 12 in group I and 19 in group II, lipid disorders 17 in group I and 28 in group II, chronic kidney disease 11 in group I and 16 in group II and CV event 2 in group I and 4 in group II. Conclusions:Both beta blockers found to be equally effective in management of patients with hypertension.