[Treatment of essential hypertension with propranolol (author's transl)]

Effect of long-term administration of propranolol was studied in 90 unselected patients with essential hypertension. At a dose of 180 and 360 mg daily it dropped the blood pressure to at least 155/95 mm Hg in 31 patients (34.4%). Those who responded to propranolol had lower systolic and diastolic blood pre-treatment pressures than those who failed, were younger by an average of eight years, and in no case had decreased plasma-renin activity and demonstrated greater plasma-renin activity after furosemide. After a titration phase with increasing doses of propranolol those who responded were treated in a crossed double-blind test with propranolol or placebo. There was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (standing and lying) and diastolic pressure (standing) between the two. There was also a highly significant difference in heart rate. During chronic beta blockade the basal and stimulated plasma-renin activity fell. But percentage stimulation of renin secretion was fully maintained. However, aldosterone response was decreased. Serum potassium rose slightly but significantly, cAMP 24-hour urine excretion fell significantly. Electrolyte excretion did not differ between the two treatment periods.