Effects of Ketanserin on Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Factor in Patients with Essential Hypertension

The effects of ketanserin, 40 mg/day (KE40) and 80 mg/day (KE80) on mean arterial pressure, lipids, lipoproteins, and circulating atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) were investigated in a 24-week controlled study in 29 patients suffering from mild to moderate hypertension. A significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was observed after 18 weeks of therapy, accompanied by a 64% (P less than .05) and 80% (P less than .02) increase in circulating ANF levels with KE40 and KE80, respectively. There were no significant changes in mean total cholesterol, triglycerides, or cholesterol of the high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) fractions. There was a significant increase in the mean apo B levels and consequently a slight but statistically significant decrease in the ratio of LDL C/B. It is concluded that both doses of KE are effective for monotherapy of mild to moderate essential hypertension. The drug sharply increases circulating ANF levels without significantly altering the plasma lipids. In contrast, by increasing the apolipoprotein B content of the LDL fraction, the beneficial cardiovascular effect of a lowered blood pressure may be partly blunted.