title: The effect of extended-release metoprolol succinate on C-reactive protein levels in persons with hypertension.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether 3 months of treatment with extended-release metoprolol succinate would reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Seventy-five patients aged 30-65 years with uncontrolled hypertension were treated with extended-release metoprolol at 25-50 mg, titrated up to 100-200 mg daily. CRP was evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 3 months. In the 61 hypertensive patients who completed the study, CRP decreased from 6.2+/-7.5 mg/L at baseline to 5.4+/-7.0 mg/L (p=0.03) at 1 month and showed no further change at 3 months (5.6+/-6.5 mg/L; p=0.13). The 13 patients who received 200 mg of extended-release metoprolol had a 32% decline in CRP from 7.0+/-9.0 mg/L to 4.8+/-6.6 mg/L (-2.2 mg/L) (p=0.005) over the 3-month period, whereas lower doses did not reduce CRP (p>0.05). Age, race, sex, and change in blood pressure were not related to the reduction in CRP in multivariate analysis. If CRP evolves into a confirmed modifiable risk factor, a beta blocker such as metoprolol may be a useful addition to pharmacotherapy options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. kingde@musc.edu
authors.forename: Dana E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Brent M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.forename: Arch G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Mainous
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Geesey
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008790:Metoprolol