Beta adrenoceptor blockade and responses of serum lipids to a meal and to exercise

During a randomised placebo controlled trial of the effects of nadolol in hypertensive patients serum lipid profiles were obtained while the patients were fasting and during and after a meal and an exercise test. Treatment with nadolol was associated with a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol at all time points. Serum triglyceride concentrations during treatment with nadolol were higher in the fasting state, though not significantly so, increased further postprandially, and were significantly higher during and after exercise. The changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations during beta adrenoceptor blockade may be secondary to a reduction in lipoprotein lipase activity.