EFFECT OF LABETALOL ON LIPID PROFILE AND ITS COMPARATIVE EFFECTS BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE

Abstract

Objective: Labetalol, a combined alpha-and beta-blocker, is commonly used for the management of hypertension. However, its effects on serum total cholesterol (T-cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels remain an area of interest. This study evaluates the impact of labetalol on these lipid parameters over a 6-month period.

Methods: A total of 70 hypertensive patients were recruited, comprising 32 males and 38 females. Serum T-cholesterol and HDL levels were measured at baseline (0 mo), 3 mo, and 6 mo post-labetalol administration. Data were analyzed across different age groups to assess trends and statistical significance.

Results: In males, T-cholesterol levels showed a general increasing trend with advancing age, with the highest mean value recorded in the 61-70 y group (280.0 mg/dl). A minor reduction of 4% at 3 mo and 10% at 6 mo was observed in this age group, but these changes were not statistically significant. Female patients exhibited relatively stable T-cholesterol levels across all age groups, with no significant alterations over time. HDL levels remained relatively unchanged in both males and females throughout the study period. In males, the initial mean HDL levels ranged from 50.0 mg/dl in the 21-30 y group to 65.0 mg/dl in the 61-70 y group, with no significant variations after 3 or 6 mo. Similarly, female HDL levels remained stable, with no noticeable effect of labetalol administration.

Conclusion: Labetalol administration over a 6-month period did not produce significant changes in serum T-cholesterol or HDL levels in hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that labetalol does not adversely impact lipid profiles in the short term, supporting its use as a safe antihypertensive agent without major concerns regarding cholesterol management. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to further validate these observations.