Comparison of the Effectiveness of a Beta Blocker (Atenolol) and a Diuretic (Chlorthalidone) in Black Hypertensive Patients

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Abstract
A double-blind crossover trial of atenolol and chlorthalidone was done in black Jamaican hypertensive patients. After an initial 4 wk of single drug therapy, the .beta. blocker and thiazide diuretic were used in combination. Chlorthalidone, at a daily dose of 25 mg, produced a significant (P < 0.05) fall in the mean systolic and diastolic pressures (19.4 mm Hg and 12.2 mm Hg, respectively); atenolol produced a significant fall in the diastolic blood pressure (6.5 mm Hg); and combination therapy produced a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (27.8 mm Hg and 17.8 mm Hg, respectively). Combination therapy using a low dose of thiazide diuretic and a .beta. blocker was syneregitic, but a thiazide was more effective than a .beta. blocker in lowering the blood pressure in black hypertensive patients.