Treatment of elderly hypertensives with beta-blocker/thiazide combination

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a low dose beta-blocker and diuretic combination in elderly hypertensives. In a prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled cross over study 30 patients with blood pressure higher than 160/90 mmHg and a mean age of 71.5 years were treated with a combination of sotalol hydrochloride 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. With this regimen a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (patient in sitting position) was obtained when compared with placebo (p less than 0.05). No significant side effects were noted because high-risk patients were excluded and the beta-blocker was used in low dose combination with thiazide diuretic for synergistic action. We conclude that a combination of beta-blocker and diuretic is an effective and safe therapy in carefully selected elderly patients with mild to moderate hypertension.