Comparison of effects on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function of nebivolol versus atenolol in patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension.

Author(s): Kamp O, Sieswerda GT, Visser CA

Affiliation(s): VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. o.kamp@vumc.nl

Publication date & source: 2003-08-01, Am J Cardiol., 92(3):344-8.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

This was a double-blind, randomized, prospective study comparing the effects of nebivolol and atenolol on systolic diastolic left ventricular function in patients with essential hypertension. A significant difference was seen in stroke volume between these 2 drugs. The blood pressure lowering effect of atenolol was strongly related to cardiac output and heart rate reduction. The blood pressure lowering effect of nebivolol was related to a reduction in peripheral resistance and an increase in stroke volume with preservation of cardiac output. This preservation of cardiac output, together with a reduced peripheral resistance, may be potentially important in treating heart failure.