title: Influence of time and physical activity on blood pressure and heart rate during treatment with beta-blocking agents once daily.
abstract: In a cross-over study of 52 middle-aged patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension, we have compared the effect and tolerability of 100 mg atenolol and 100 mg metoprolol given once daily. After 1 1/2 and 3 months of treatment, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure 24 hours after drug intake were significantly lower on atenolol. There were no significant differences after 3 months when blood pressure was read 3-4 hours after dose intake. During exercise, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were--at all work-loads--significantly lower on atenolol. Four patients on metoprolol and one patient on atenolol discontinued treatment owing to side-effects. The results support the need for thorough analysis of the duration of action and influence of physical activity and sympathetic tone in comparisons between presumedly equivalent antihypertensive drugs.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001262:Atenolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011187:Posture; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001262:Atenolol; D008790:Metoprolol