[Modification of vasoprotective omega-3-fatty acids--a previously unknown side effect of propranolol therapy?]

Under influence of a 6-month treatment with 75-100 mg/d propranolol (Obsidan) a significant decrease of the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) in the serum was observed in 18 patients with primary hypertension stage I. The eicosapentaenoic acid belongs to the omega-3-fatty acids known as vasoprotectively effective. The results indicate an up to now unknown side effect of the propranolol therapy which is to be seen in the connection with other unfavourable effects in the lipid metabolism. The possible influence on the omega-3-fatty acid metabolism by propranolol should continue to be investigated.