Effects of celiprolol and other antihypertensive agents on serum lipids and lipoproteins.

The expected reduction in coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality has not been observed in intervention trials with antihypertensive agents, and attention has focused on the lipid and lipoprotein effects of antihypertensive agents. Diuretics, especially thiazides, chlorthalidone, and the loop diuretics, increase total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels with generally no significant change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Selective and nonselective beta-blockers decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increase triglyceride levels, whereas those with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity do not significantly alter lipid and lipoprotein levels. Celiprolol, a beta-blocker with vasodilatory effects, appears to favorably affect lipid and lipoprotein levels as do the alpha 1-adrenergic blockers. The other commonly used antihypertensive agents do not produce significant effects.