[Modification of lipoprotein metabolism by antihypertensive therapy]

Of various antihypertensive drugs, particularly the unselective as well as the selective beta-receptor blockers but also diuretic drugs unfavourable effects on the lipid metabolism are reported, which above all consist of increases of triglycerides and decreases of HDL-cholesterol. The more modern antihypertensive drugs such as calcium antagonists, alpha 1-receptor blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors according to the hitherto existing studies have no significant influence on the serum lipids. The final classification of the antihypertensive drugs regarding their influence on the atherogenic risk by negative changes in the lipoprotein metabolism is, however, at present not yet possible on account of insufficient long-term studies. For the reduction of adequate endangerings dietetic measures, reduction of overweight, physical training and when occasion arises change of the medication are recommended.