[Effects of delayed-action metoprolol evaluated in hypertensive patients responsive to therapy subdivided in 2 different age groups].

Thirty patients with essential hypertension, whose blood pressure was controlled by metoprolol, were divided according to age in two groups. All the patients were treated with long-acting metoprolol given as simple daily dose at 08.00 h. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and at the 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th days of treatment. No significant difference in the antihypertensive effects of metoprolol was detected between the two groups of patients. A significantly higher reduction of the heart rate was observed in the older patients.