Effects of diltiazem hydrochloride on serum lipids: comparison with beta-blockers

The effects of diltiazem hydrochloride, a vasodilator often used to treat hypertension, and beta-blockers (pindolol and propranolol hydrochloride) on lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were assessed by measuring serum levels of total cholesterol, high-density-lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in patients taking these drugs for three months. No significant changes were observed in any of the values in patients taking either diltiazem hydrochloride (180 mg/day) or beta-blockers (15 mg of pindolol or 60 mg of propranolol daily). The decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels and increase in triglyceride levels reported in 1978 to be associated with use of propranolol, and with the concomitant use of hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol, was not found.