[Results of the selectol field study in Austria]

This multicenter study was initiated to assess the efficacy and safety of celiprolol in a large number of hypertensive patients. Patients received a once daily dose of 200 mg celiprolol for the first 3 weeks. If blood pressure was not lowered satisfactorily after this period, the investigator was asked to rise the dose to 300 mg celiprolol or to add a diuretic for the next 3 weeks. The study included 2694 patients, 2311 of whom were evaluable over a period of 3 weeks, 2077 over 6 weeks. On admission 10% showed isolated systolic hypertension, 38% were in WHO I, 35% in WHO II and 17% in WHO III. Hypertension was known for more than 1 year in 57%, for even more than 5 years in 28%. Concomitant diseases were diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive airways disease, peripheral arteries disease; digitalis comedication in 211 patients. BP was lowered significantly in all degrees of severity of hypertension. There was no obvious connection between efficacy and age nor with duration of disease. Only 229 patients received 300 mg celiprolol during the second period of treatment, 223 patients got additionally a diuretic. Heart rate decreased by a mean of 8 bpm and was lowered mostly in patients with tachycardia. Patients with a heart rate of 60 bpm or below showed a slight increase in heart rate. In no case heart rate fell below 50. Side effects were rare and in most cases not serious. Treatment was discontinued due to suspected side effects in 58 patients only (2.15%). We conclude, that celiprolol is a safe and efficacious drug in the management of hypertension.