Antihypertensive Effect and Side‐effects of Bendroflumethiazide and Propranolol

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Abstract
The antihypertensive effect and side-effects during 12 mo. treatment with bendroflumenthiazide and propranolol were compared in 2 randomly selected, equally large groups (n = 53) of previously untreated male hypertensives. Systolic BP [blood pressure] above 170 or diastolic BP above 105 mmHg on 2 occasions were defined as hypertension. The same BP reduction was achieved in both groups. During the 12 mo. treatment, 1 subject on bendroflumethiazide developed diabetes mellitus and one on propranolol developed cardiac decompensation. None developed gout. Contrary to what was presumed, glucose tolerance improved during 12 mo. treatment with both agents, while there were no changes in fasting blood sugar, insulin or triglyceride concentrations. No changes were found in serum K or total body K during 12 mo. bendroflumethiazide treatment, while serum K increased during treatment with propranolol. Uric acid increased slightly during treatment with both agents. Prolongation of the follow-up to 24 mo. did not change any of the findings regarding metabolic changes during treatment. The frequency of subjective side-effects decreased to the same extent during treatment with both drugs. Bendroflumethiazide and propranolol are equally useful as antihypertensive agents and the risk of impairment of glucose metabolism and K balance seems to be slight during treatment with bendroflumethiazide in mild hypertension.