[Nebivolol, a beta blocker of the 3rd generation: modern therapy of arterial hypertension. Results of a multicenter observation study].

Background: Nebivolol represents a therapeutic class of beta blockers with high beta 1 selectivity and modulatory effect on vascular reactions by releasing nitric oxide (NO) from endothelial cells. Its antihypertensive effect by once a day application is established. The aim of the study was to investigate the acceptability and the antihypertensive efficacy of Nebivolol in hypertensives with and without concomitant diseases.

Methods And Results: An observational study was carried out in 6376 patients with arterial hypertension in 1529 centres in a period of time of six weeks. The initial dosage was 5 mg daily resp. 2.5 mg daily in patients over 65 years. The systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased during treatment from initial values of 173 +/- 18 mm Hg (mean +/- standard deviation) by 29 mm Hg to 144 +/- 14 mm Hg at the end of the observational period. The diastolic BP decreased from 101 +/- 9 mm Hg initially by 16 mm Hg to 85 +/- 8 mm Hg at the last examination of the patients. The normalization of the diastolic BP (< 90 mm Hg) was achieved in 62.2% of the patients. The mean heart rate (HR) was 84 +/- 12 beats/minute at the beginning of the study and decreased by 11 to 73 +/- 8 beats/minute. During the observational period cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001). Triglycerides were diminished by 13%, cholesterol by 8%. In diabetic patients the most favourable effect was observed (decrease of triglycerides by 18% and cholesterol by 9%); glucose decreased in diabetics by 16%.

Conclusions: In this multicentre observational study Nebivolol was proved as a safe and well-tolerated antihypertensive drug. The results of the analysis of metabolic parameters during Nebivolol treatment are of interest as a contribution to the preventive effect of this beta blocker on coronary heart disease.