INFLUENCE OF HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE ON THE PLASMA-LEVELS OF TRIGLYCERIDES, TOTAL CHOLESTEROL AND HDL-CHOLESTEROL IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

The influence of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) treatment on the plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) was studied in lo patients with essential hypertension. After a placebo period of 4 weeks, 50 mg HCT twice daily was given for a period of 9 months, followed by a second placebo period of 4 weeks. Triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were determined at the end of both placebo periods and after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months of HCT. For the whole group, there were no significant changes in triglycerides or HDL-cholesterol, whereas total cholesterol significantly increased during HCT. In 6 patients, plasma triglycerides were higher during HCT as compared to both placebo periods. In only 4 patients did HDL-cholesterol increase during HCT. Changes in triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not related and no correlation was found with changes in blood pressure, body weight or serum potassium. In conclusion, this study confirms a possible adverse effect of diuretic treatment on plasma lipids, which should be considered when determining therapeutic regimens for hypertension. © 1979 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.