Treatment of Jamaican hypertensives with atenolol and chlorthalidone

ABSTRACT

A clinical trial of the new beta-blocker Atenolol, showed that the drug is effective in the management of Jamaican hypertensives when used in combination with the diuretic Chlorthalidone. A mean fall in blood pressure of 39/31 mm Hg was achieved in 21 patients studied. The drug was administered once daily at a dose of 100 mg to 200 mg. It was suggested that a higher dose of Atenolol may be required in black patients than that conventionally used for white subjects. Pre-treatment plasma renin levels did not correlate with the sensitivity of response to Atenolol (AU)