Alterations in lipid metabolism induced by antihypertensive therapy

Adverse effects on serum triglycerides and cholesterol fractions have been reported in hypertensive patients treated with diuretics and non-selective beta-blockers. However, the changes induced by cardioselective beta-blockers and those with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) or by alpha-blockers have been shown to be more favourable. In addition, evidence suggests that calcium antagonists and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have little effect on serum lipid concentrations in hypertensive patients, although until now only diuretics and beta-blockers without ISA have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality.