EFFECTS OF BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR BLOCKERS ON THE PLATELET AND CARDIOMETABOLIC INDICES IN UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION

Background: Metabolic derangement in term of glucose dysregulation, dyslipidemia, and electrolyte disturbances are the adverse reactions of beta-adrenoceptor blockers that limit their use. Aims: To investigate the effect of BARBs on the cardio-metabolic risk factors and platelet indices that play a role in accelerating the atherogenicity. Materials and methods: This observational clinical study was done in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad, Iraq from 1^st August 2016 to 31^st December 2016.  A total number of 54 uncontrolled hypertensive patients were enrolled in this study. They grouped into Group I (n=25): hypertensive patients treated with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and Group II (n=29): hypertensive patients treated with beta-adrenoceptor agents in addition to the ARBs or ACEIs. The anthropometric, blood pressure, fasting serum glucose and lipid profile, and the platelet indices were determined. Results: Group II patients have significant low fasting serum glucose and non-significant high serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Significant negative correlation between fasting serum triglycerides and plateletcrit (r=0.444, df=23, p=0.0250 observed in Group I patients. Conclusion: BARBs carried a metabolic derangement in term of alterations in the fasting serum glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, but they offered a favorable effect on the platelet function and thereby reduced the risk of coronary artery disease.