Diuretics and beta-blockers: is there a risk for dyslipidemia?
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly in combination with other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Effective management of hypertension, even a modest reduction in blood pressure, results in reduced mortality and morbidity from cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
Data from clinical trials were examined to assess the effect of low-dose diuretics or beta-blockers on lipoprotein profile.


RESULTS
Results of numerous clinical trials demonstrate that low doses of thiazides or cardioselective beta-blockers alone or in combination result in minimal changes in lipid profile.


CONCLUSIONS
Low doses of thiazide diuretics or beta-blockers are a safe and effective approach to the management of uncomplicated essential hypertension and have the advantage of an association with an evidence-based reduction in morbidity and mortality in long-term clinical trials. There is little or no evidence that the minimal changes in serum lipid profile associated with use of these drugs have resulted in a negation of the beneficial effects of these agents on blood pressure.
Weir
M R
MR
Division of Nephrology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Moser
M
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D004232:Diuretics; D008074:Lipoproteins