Effects of celiprolol on serum lipids in systemic hypertension

Antihypertensive therapy with celiprolol lowers blood pressure by selectively blocking beta 1 adrenoceptors. It also exhibits vasodilatory and bronchosparing effects and is not cardiodepressive. Because many beta blockers are often suspected of adversely raising serum lipid levels, especially triglycerides, a special investigation of lipids in hypertensive subjects was performed. The preliminary findings in a series of 14 patients (average age 39.7 years) with essential hypertension (World Health Organization stages I to II) who were treated with celiprolol for a period of 6 months are presented. Serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein remained virtually unchanged during treatment. There was, however, a tendency for triglyceride levels to fall with celiprolol treatment, a trend that became significant after 4 weeks. Moreover, high-density lipoproteins tended to increase with treatment and were significantly increased after 2 weeks. In contrast to findings obtained with other beta-blocking agents, no increases in total serum lipids were observed during celiprolol treatment. Blood pressure values of the subjects treated decreased significantly from a mean value (measured in the upright position) of 151/99 to 131/87 mm Hg. Blood pressure values taken in the supine position were also significantly reduced. No significant changes were noted in a variety of laboratory parameters, including blood count, blood coagulation time, blood sugar concentration, liver and kidney tests, electrolyte levels and urinalysis. The significance of these results, which suggest that celiprolol is not associated with adverse changes of lipids and may even positively influence blood chemistry, is discussed.