Lack of Effect of Hydrocholorthiazide on Total Cholesterol

Abstract

To determine the effect of hydrochlorothiazide on total cholesterol, baseline total cholesterol and blood pressure were determined in 618 hypertensive subjects in a hypertension clinic in Pusan, Korea. After 12-24 months (mean follow-up time 14 months), total cholesterol and blood pressure measurements were repeated. In the group whose therapy included hydrochlorothiazide (n=436), total cholesterol fell by 8±39 mg/dL. Those not treated with a diuretic (n=182) had an identical fall in total cholesterol of 8±42 mg/dL (P < 0.001 for change from baseline). Patients with a baseline total cholesterol >200 mg/dL were asked to reduce intake of saturated fat. Change in total cholesterol for 180 patients on this diet and hydrochlorothiazide was -24±31 mg/dL (P <0.0001); for 71 patients on the diet and non-diuretic therapy, change was -22±35 mg/dL (P < 0.0001). There was no change in total cholesterol in either drug group for those with a baseline value ⩽200 mg/dL.

It is concluded that in this group of Korean patients on a relatively low-fat diet, a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide had no adverse effect on total cholesterol at 14 months, and hydrochlorothiazide nor other agents prevented a beneficial effect of further reduction of saturated fat on total cholesterol.

Key Words:

• hypertension Diuretics
• cholesterol
• lipids
• Korea