Research objectives
The objective of this randomized, placebo-controlled, 2 period crossover clinical trial is to
determine the effects of nebivolol versus metoprolol on ambulatory blood pressure, the blood
pressure response to dietary sodium loading, and renal handling of an acute sodium load in
postmenopausal women with hypertension.
Hypothesis
Nebivolol will result in a blunted response of blood pressure to oral sodium administration
and improved renal handling of an intravenous sodium load in comparison with metoprolol in
hypertensive postmenopausal women.
Research plan
Study design
The study consisted of a randomized crossover trial of the effects on sodium sensitivity and
renal sodium handling of nebivolol versus metoprolol. All study procedures were carried out
under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator in the outpatient and inpatient
research unit of the University of Miami Division of Clinical Pharmacology.
Primary endpoint
Change in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure determined by 24-hour ambulatory blood
pressure monitor (ABPM) from the final day of low sodium to the final day of high sodium in
nebivolol versus metoprolol