[Beta receptor blockers. Their role and therapeutic importance]

From clinico-pharmacological view the present paper gives a survey of the important drug group of the beta-receptor blockers. While non-selective blockers effect a global depression of the sympathico-adrenergic activity of the organism, the beta 1-selective blockers are characterized by a dose-dependent preferred affinity to the cardiac and renal beta 1-receptors. Thus in low and moderate dosages undesired pulmonary, vascular and metabolic effects can be avoided. Main indications for beta-receptor blockers are the arterial hypertension, the coronary heart disease and the tachycardiac disturbances of the cardiac rhythm. Apart from the increase of the life-quality of the patient the prognosis improving effect in clinical long-term studies confirmed for several beta-receptor blockers should be used therapeutically.