The effect of extended-release metoprolol succinate on C-reactive protein levels in persons with hypertension.

The objective of this study was to determine whether 3 months of treatment with extended-release metoprolol succinate would reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Seventy-five patients aged 30-65 years with uncontrolled hypertension were treated with extended-release metoprolol at 25-50 mg, titrated up to 100-200 mg daily. CRP was evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 3 months. In the 61 hypertensive patients who completed the study, CRP decreased from 6.2+/-7.5 mg/L at baseline to 5.4+/-7.0 mg/L (p=0.03) at 1 month and showed no further change at 3 months (5.6+/-6.5 mg/L; p=0.13). The 13 patients who received 200 mg of extended-release metoprolol had a 32% decline in CRP from 7.0+/-9.0 mg/L to 4.8+/-6.6 mg/L (-2.2 mg/L) (p=0.005) over the 3-month period, whereas lower doses did not reduce CRP (p>0.05). Age, race, sex, and change in blood pressure were not related to the reduction in CRP in multivariate analysis. If CRP evolves into a confirmed modifiable risk factor, a beta blocker such as metoprolol may be a useful addition to pharmacotherapy options.