Abstract
We conducted a retrospective study to examine the effects of beta-blockers on serum lipid metabolism. In 11 patients propranolol at a mean dose of 39.1mg daily significantly elevated triglyceride and atherogenic index and lowered HDL cholesterol, but total cholesterol was not altered significantly. No significant change of lipid levels was observed in 20 patients treated with pindolol. Acebutolol significantly lowered total cholesterol by 8.1 per cent in 26 patients. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels were not altered significantly. A trend of reduced atherogenic index, although not significant statistically, was found in the patients prescribed acebutolol. These results suggest that minimal dose of propranolol causes atherogenic changes of lipid metabolism. Pindolol has no harmful effect on serum lipid levels. Acebutolol possesses a favorable hypolipidemic effect to prevent atherosclerosis. Since one of the important purposes of prescription of beta-blockers to the patients with hypertension and/or coronary heart disease is prevention of progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels, beta-blockers should be selected on the base of lipid metabolism as well as hemodynamic effects.
