[Value of a blood pressure profile in evaluating 2 antihypertensive agents]

Bopindolol (Sandoz) in single daily doses of 1 and 2 mg was compared with atenolol (ICI) in single daily doses of 50 and 100 mg in respect of antihypertensive effect in a population of 33 patients divided by random allocation into 4 groups and treated for 12 months. Statistical analysis of the more than 4000 blood pressure readings obtained with a noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure recorder indicates equivalence of efficacy between bopindolol 1 mg, bopindolol 2 mg and atenolol 100 mg, with atenolol 50 mg less effective. Bopindolol's long duration of effect was reflected in lower morning values and in the absence of hypotension in the circadian profile.