Forearm and finger hemodynamics, blood pressure control, and lipid changes in diabetic hypertensive patients treated with atenolol and prazosin. A brief report

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus frequently coexist and are independent risk factors for reduced peripheral perfusion. Antihypertensive medications that reduce blood pressure and improve peripheral perfusion would have advantages in diabetic hypertensive patients. In a randomized, two-placebo-period, single-blind, two-way, crossover study, finger and forearm blood flow, lipid levels, and blood pressure control were determined in 19 diabetic hypertensive patients given prazosin and atenolol, with each drug and placebo period lasting four weeks. Both drugs reduced blood pressure (sitting, 157 95 to 142 84 mm Hg for atenolol and 155 95 to 138 82 mm Hg for prazosin; standing, 154 94 to 144 84 mm Hg for atenolol and 154 94 to 133 81 mm Hg for prazosin). Lipid levels did not change, except that low-density lipoprotein levels decreased from 148 to 127 mg/dl with prazosin. Atenolol did not change forearm or finger blood flow or vascular resistance. Prazosin increased blood flow and reduced vascular resistance in both finger and forearm. In conclusion, prazosin demonstrated a potentially more appropriate hemodynamic profile than atenolol in diabetic hypertensive patients in this study.