Publication:

Comparative evaluation of beta-blockers with or without statins in the treatment of essential hypertension at a tertiary health care setup

Background The effects of statins apart from their role as cholesterol lowering agents have prompted this study to evaluate their antihypertensive role. Beta-blockers (BB) are one of the most effective drugs in hypertension. The present study was designed for comparative evaluation of BB with or without statins in the treatment of essential hypertension in a tertiary health care setup.

Methods This study was conducted in 20 hypertensive patients by Pharmacology Department in Medicine outpatient department at SGRRIM and HS Dehradun for 1 year. Initially, patients were stabilized for 4 weeks by BB and then subdivided into 2 groups. Group I: BB (n=10) and Group II: BB+statins (n=10). Patients were followed up every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI) were done every visit. Lipid profile was done at 4 and 16 weeks. Analysis was performed using t test. p≤0.05 was significant.

Results At 4 and 16 weeks, SBP in Group I was 133.6±3.7 and 127±1.61 mmHg (p>0.05) and in Group II was 141.2±2.97 and 130.6±0.71 mmHg (p 0.05) and in Group II was 84.6±1.39 and 83.8±1.45 mmHg (p>0.05), respectively. At 16 weeks intergroup SBP and DBP comparison was done, which was not significant (p>0.05). At 4 and 16 weeks improvement in lipid profile in Group I (p>0.05) was not significant, but a significant improvement in Group II (p 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions Both groups showed significant improvement in BP. However, no significant difference was seen on intergroup comparison. Larger studies with more patients are needed to establish the role of statins in hypertension.