[Nebivolol, a third generation beta blocker: the modern treatment of hypertension. Results of a multicentric observational study].

Background: Nebivolol represents a new therapeutic class of beta blockers with high beta1 selectivity and the ability to modu late the direct vascular reactions through the liberation of nitric oxide (NO) by the endothelial cell. Its antihypertensive action develops at a once-daily dosage. The main aim of the study was to determine the tolerability and antihypertensive efficacy of nebivolol in hypertensives with or without concomitant diseases.

Methods and results: The observational study was carried out in 1529 centers on 6376 patients with hypertension over a period of 6 weeks. The initial daily dosage was 5 mg or 2.5 mg in patients older than 65. Under treatment, the systolic blood pressure decreased by a mean (+/- 1 standard deviation) of 29 mmHg (+/- 17 mmHg) from 173 mmHg (+/- 18 mmHg) initially, to 144 mmHg (+/- 14 mmHg) by the end of the observation period. The diastolic blood pressure decreased by a mean of 16 mmHg (+/- 10 mmHg) from 101 mmHg (+/- 9 mmHg) initially to 85 mmHg (+/- 8 mmHg) by the end of the observation period (p < 0.001). Normalization of the diastolic blood pressure (< 90 mmHg) was achieved in 62.2% of the patients. The mean heart rate at the start of the study was 84 (+/- 12) vs. 73 (+/- 8) beats per minute by the end of the study (reduction: 10.6 +/- 10.3 beats per minute). The decrease in blood pressure and heart rate depended on the baseline values, that is, higher blood pressure and higher heart rates initially showed a greater reduction (both parameters) in comparison with moderately elevated initial values. Cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar decreased significantly (p < 0.001) duringthe observation period. For triglycerides the decrease was 13%, for cholesterol 8%. Diabetics benefited most (reduction in triglycerides 18%, in cholesterol 9%); here, the glucose concentration decreased by 16%. Physician-assessment of the efficacy of nebivolol was 93%, tolerability 97% (very good or good).

Conclusion: In this large multicentric observational study, the substance nebivolol proved to be a safe, largely side effect-free antihypertensive. Its favorable metabolic properties must be considered positive, in particular with regard to the possible development of coronary heart disease.