Efficacy of carvedilol in mild to moderate essential hypertension and effects on microalbuminuria: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study versus atenolol.

In this randomized, open-label, multicenter comparison, 140 adults with mild to moderate essential hypertension were treated with the nonselective beta blocker carvedilol (25 mg once daily) or the selective beta 1 blocker atenolol (100 mg once daily) orally for 2 months. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured monthly in the supine and standing positions. Urinary albumin levels and blood lipid profile were determined at baseline and at study end. The occurrence of cold extremities was monitored throughout the study. Both treatments significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a comparable level. At the final assessment, 88% of the carvedilol group achieved a supine diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or lower, compared with 82% of the atenolol group. Atenolol produced the greater decrease in heart rate, but between-group differences were significant only for standing measurements. With carvedilol, urinary albumin decreased in 25% of patients and increased in 2%; corresponding figures with atenolol were 13% and 12%. At study end, 10% of the carvedilol group and 37% of the atenolol group complained of cold extremities. No major between-group differences were observed in the percentage of patients with an increase in high-density lipoprotein or a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Triglycerides and total cholesterol tended to decrease in a greater percentage of patients taking carvedilol than atenolol.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes