The effect of two beta-adrenoceptor blockers (mepindolol and atenolol) on blood lipids and platelet aggregation in normal volunteers and essential hypertensive patients.

beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents are widely used as treatment of essential hypertension. We studied the action of a new non cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker, mepindolol, comparing its effects on blood pressure, blood lipids and platelet aggregation with those of a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker, atenolol. Blood pressure fell significantly in the patients treated with both drugs. Triglycerides rose non-significantly only in volunteers treated with mepindolol. We did not find any significant changes in cholesterol, free fatty acids, lipoproteins and platelet aggregation.