Cognitive function in hypertensives treated with atenolol or propranolol.
OBJECTIVE
To test reports that beta blockers, particularly lipophilic forms, impair cognitive function and cause psychiatric disturbances.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial with eight-week treatment periods.


METHODS
Sequential sample of 42 male veterans, with untreated diastolic blood pressures (DBP) between 90 and 110 mmHg, aged 35-64 years.


METHODS
Propranolol-LA, 80-mg tablets, or atenolol, 50-mg tablets, were given daily, incremented by one tablet at weekly intervals until DBP less than or equal to 90 mmHg. Hydrochlorothiazide was added, if necessary.


RESULTS
Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed on all cognitive tests. Cognitive test performance was not affected by beta blocker therapy in seven of nine tests and was enhanced on Trail Making Test. Performance was impaired only on Digit Cancellation. Neither Speilberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory nor the Beck Depression Inventory was affected by either beta blocker.


CONCLUSIONS
Atenolol or propranolol therapy does not impair cognitive function or contribute significantly to psychiatric side effects.
Palac
D M
DM
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97207.
Cornish
R D
RD
McDonald
W J
WJ
Middaugh
D A
DA
Howieson
D
D
Bagby
S P
SP
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001262:Atenolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008347:Manifest Anxiety Scale; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D001262:Atenolol; D011433:Propranolol