The effect of chlorthalidone on serum lipids and lipoproteins.

The effect of chlorthalidone treatment on serum lipids and lipoproteins was investigated in 21 hypertensive patients. Chlorthalidone caused an increase in total serum and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but not in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Serum and lipoprotein triglycerides also increased. Our findings suggest that chlorthalidone increases serum concentrations of "atherogenic" lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL), and possibly decreases the levels of a "beneficial" lipoprotein, namely HDL. Thus, the use of this medication may increase a major atherosclerosis risk factor.