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The effects of propranolol on cognitive function and quality of life: a randomized trial among patients with

E J Pérez-Stable1, R Halliday, P S Gardiner

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.

The American Journal of Medicine
|April 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Propranolol treatment for diastolic hypertension showed minimal cognitive effects and no impact on mood or sexual function. These findings suggest other factors should guide beta-blocker selection for hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Diastolic hypertension is a common cardiovascular condition.
  • Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are frequently prescribed for hypertension.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of beta-blockers on cognitive, depressive, and sexual functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of propranolol on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and sexual function in patients with diastolic hypertension.
  • To compare propranolol's effects against a placebo in a controlled trial setting.

Main Methods:

  • A placebo-controlled trial involving 312 adult patients with diastolic hypertension.
  • Random assignment to propranolol (80-400 mg/day) or placebo.
  • Cognitive function assessed using 13 tests at baseline, 3, and 12 months.
  • Depressive symptoms and sexual function evaluated via questionnaires at baseline and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in 11 of 13 cognitive tests between propranolol and placebo groups at 3 or 12 months.
  • Slight, potentially clinically insignificant, differences in reaction time and errors of commission observed at 3 months.
  • No significant differences in depressive symptoms or sexual function and desire at 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • Propranolol treatment for hypertension demonstrated limited adverse effects on cognitive function, with questionable clinical relevance.
  • No adverse effects on depressive symptoms or sexual function were documented.
  • The choice of beta-blockers for hypertension management should prioritize factors beyond these specific functional outcomes.
Abstract

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