[Use of propranolol in essential hypertension--results of a 10-year therapeutic course study]

For the control of the antihypertensive efficacy and the long-term tolerance in 1970 156 stable essential hypertensives of the clinical stages I-III were stablized with propranolol (obsidan). After an observation of the course lasting at first one year 58% (n = 90) proved as propranolol responders, 72 of them could be led monotherapeutically over 10 years (maximum mean dose 157 mg/die). The permanent propranolol therapy caused a persisting decrease of blood pressure in the non-hypertensive region (RR less than 160/95 mm Hg) by systolically on an average--44 mm Hg and diastolically--22 mm Hg with an adequate mean reduction of the heart rate of 19% compared with the basis values. Under conditions of the bicycle ergometer (watt-degree test) a significant decrease of the mean values of heart rate and blood pressure depending on the load as well as the tension-time-index could be established; at the same time the physical work capacity increased on an average by 25 Watt. After an abrupt interruption of the chronic propranolol therapy (partial study in 29 hypertensives) blood pressure and heart rate again increased only relatively retardedly. In 10 cases a remaining normotension was observed during the therapy-free phase. There were no paradoxical reactions or discontinuation phenomena; altogether the number of side-effects was low. As a result of our 10-year study of the administration of propranolol the high value of the beta-receptor blockers as a basis medication is to be emphasized in the therapy of hypertension.