Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Improved Home Blood Pressure Control by CT-guided Ozone-mediated Renal Denervation for Patients with Resistant Hypertension
04:37

Improved Home Blood Pressure Control by CT-guided Ozone-mediated Renal Denervation for Patients with Resistant Hypertension

Published on: June 6, 2025

Effects of nebivolol and atenolol on central aortic pressure in hypertensive patients: a multicenter, randomized,

Josep Redón1, Jose M Pascual-Izuel, Enrique Rodilla

  • 1Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, University of Valencia and CIBERObn , ISC III.

Blood Pressure
|September 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Nebivolol had a lesser impact on the augmentation index compared to atenolol in hypertensive patients. This study compared the effects of these two common blood pressure medications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Essential hypertension affects a significant portion of the adult population.
  • Augmentation index is a key indicator of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
  • Nebivolol and atenolol are commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications with different mechanisms of action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the mean change in augmentation index between hypertensive patients treated with nebivolol versus atenolol.
  • To evaluate the impact of nebivolol and atenolol on arterial stiffness markers.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, double-blind, randomized study involving 138 outpatients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
  • Patients received either nebivolol 5 mg or atenolol 50 mg daily, with options for dose titration and addition of hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Augmentation index was measured over a 10-week follow-up period.

Main Results:

  • Nebivolol demonstrated a significantly lesser modification of the mean augmentation index compared to atenolol after 10 weeks (mean difference 3.1%, p = 0.027).
  • While both drugs similarly reduced central and peripheral blood pressure, a higher proportion of patients on atenolol required a diuretic.
  • Baseline characteristics and response in blood pressure were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Nebivolol exerts a less pronounced effect on the augmentation index than atenolol in patients with essential hypertension.
  • These findings suggest differential effects of nebivolol and atenolol on arterial properties beyond blood pressure reduction.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atenololaugmentation indexcentral aortic pressurehypertensionnebivololpulse pressure

Related Concept Videos

Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers01:28

Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers

β receptors are classified into three subclasses: β1, β2, and β3. β1 receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. When they get activated, they increase heart rate, contractility, and renin release. This process enhances blood pressure and aids in stress management. In contrast, β2 receptors are situated mainly in the lungs, blood vessels, and skeletal muscles. Upon activation, they trigger smooth muscle relaxation, causing bronchodilation and vasodilation. This widens airways and...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers01:31

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is clinically...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers01:17

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this, β1-blockers...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers01:27

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...