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Effect of atenolol on plasma HDL cholesterol subfractions

A Lehtonen, J Marniemi

    Atherosclerosis
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Atenolol treatment for hypertension significantly lowered high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, particularly HDL2 cholesterol. Plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol showed slight, non-significant increases during the study.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Lipidology

    Background:

    • Essential hypertension is a common cardiovascular risk factor.
    • Lipid profiles, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subfractions, are crucial in cardiovascular health.
    • Beta-blockers like atenolol are frequently prescribed for hypertension.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of atenolol on HDL cholesterol subfractions (HDL2 and HDL3) and other plasma lipids.
    • To assess changes in lipid profiles during long-term atenolol therapy in hypertensive patients.

    Main Methods:

    • A study involving 18 patients with essential hypertension.
    • Oral administration of atenolol at 100 mg once daily for 6 months.
    • Monitoring of plasma HDL cholesterol subfractions, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels before and during treatment.

    Main Results:

    • Atenolol significantly reduced overall HDL cholesterol levels.
    • HDL2 cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.01) within the first month and remained low.
    • HDL3 cholesterol showed a slight, non-significant decrease.
    • Plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol levels increased slightly, reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05) for total cholesterol at 6 months.

    Conclusions:

    • Atenolol therapy in hypertensive patients leads to a significant reduction in HDL cholesterol, primarily affecting the HDL2 subfraction.
    • The observed changes in HDL cholesterol subfractions and slight increases in triglycerides and total cholesterol warrant consideration in cardiovascular risk management.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of these lipid alterations during atenolol treatment.

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