Key Points
- To evaluate the hypotensive efficacy, dose-response relationship, and safety profile of atenolol monotherapy in patients with varying severities of hypertension.
- Administered atenolol once daily (100–300 mg) as monotherapy for 8–12 weeks to 20 hypertensive patients (initial blood pressure 196 ± 5.5 / 118 ± 2.5 mm Hg).
- Evaluated blood pressure in supine, standing, and post-exercise states, alongside measurements of plasma drug levels and exercise tachycardia.
- Atenolol reduced blood pressure by more than 20/10 mm Hg in 17 patients (85%) and achieved maximum hypotensive effect at the 100-mg dose, though adequate control was not reached in severe hypertension.
- Blood pressure reduction correlated significantly with initial systolic blood pressure (r = 0.77, p < 0.01) and inhibition of exercise tachycardia (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), with no relationship to plasma drug levels.
- Hypotensive action developed within 2 weeks, persisted for 2 weeks after treatment cessation without causing postural hypotension, and presented minimal side effects aside from impaired glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Structured PICO
Does atenolol monotherapy reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension?
PPopulation20 patients with hypertension of varying degrees of severity (initial systolic blood pressure 162-238 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 105-143 mm Hg).
IInterventionAtenolol 100-300 mg once daily as the sole hypotensive drug for 8-12 weeks.
OOutcomeReduction in supine and standing blood pressure.surrogate
Atenolol monotherapy effectively reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients, with maximum effect seen at 100 mg daily, though it may impair glucose tolerance in diabetics.