A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Study Examining the Effects of Nebivolol Compared to Atenolol on Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Early Vascular Disease

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the efficacy of nebivolol and atenolol at improving small artery elasticity and reducing cardiovascular disease risk in subjects with early vascular disease. Approximately 75 subjects with borderline/elevated blood pressures and impaired endothelial function, as measured by arterial elasticity scores, will be recruited and assigned to treatment groups using a block randomization scheme. Patients will be randomly allocated to nebivolol, atenolol or placebo, and then followed for 9 months.