EFFECT OF ALPRENOLOL ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Abstract In 17 patients with essential hypertension on chlorthalidone treatment alprenolol was given in double‐blind crossover trial. The effect on blood pressure (BP), plasma renin activity (PRA) and blood volume was studied. During chlorthalidone treatment PRA was increased and blood volume decreased. Alprenolol induced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic BP and PRA. The alprenolol‐induced decreases in BP and PRA were significantly correlated. Alprenolol did not influence the decreased blood volume during chlorthalidone treatment. The effect of β‐adrenergic blocking agents on the renin release from the kidney and its possible role in the hypotensive effect of these agents are discussed.