Fixed combination of bisoprolol and a low-dose hydrochlorothiazide in arterial hypertension

Abstract

Beta-blockers showed better results in lowering elevated blood pressure in the younger age group of patients with higher renin plasma levels. Actual recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology for treatment of arterial hypertension from 2013 insist that heart rate should always be measured along with blood pressure. These recommendations point out the significance of resting heart rate as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with arterial hypertension. Beta-blockers have a compelling indication for treatment of arterial hypertension in patients with coexistence of coronary artery disease, especially post myocardial infarction, as well as in patients with systolic heart failure. Bisoprolol, a highly selective beta-blocker with a long half-life and a prolonged antihypertensive effect, has shown consistent blood pressure control over a period of 24 hours. It has been demonstrated in placebo-controlled studies that administration of thiazide diuretics, in addition to lowering blood pressure levels, had also been associated with a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. It is evident that effectiveness of thiazide diuretics is dose-dependent; however, undesirable effects of drugs are also dose-dependent. Depending on the dose, they aggravate glucose intolerance, increase lipid levels, cause hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia, and increase levels of uric acid. Administration of very low doses of a thiazide diuretic is acceptable in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, because it potentiates the action of other drugs without causing undesirable metabolic effects. The effectiveness and safety of the combination of bisoprolol (in various doses) and a thiazide diuretic in a small dose has been proven in clinical trials.