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Current and future status of beta-blockers in the treatment of hypertension

Steven G Chrysant1, George S Chrysant, Billy Dimas

  • 1Oklahoma Cardiovascular and Hypertension Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73132-4704, USA. schrysant@yahoo.com

Clinical Cardiology
|June 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (beta-blockers) remain effective and safe first-line treatments for hypertension. While generally safe, older beta-blockers may affect glucose control and stroke protection in specific patient groups.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (beta-blockers) have been recommended as first-line hypertension therapy since 2003.
  • Recent studies have questioned the antihypertensive effectiveness and safety of beta-blockers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the effectiveness and safety of beta-blockers for hypertension.
  • To provide a historical perspective on beta-blocker discovery and mechanism of action.

Main Methods:

  • Searched Medline and other literature up to 2007 for pertinent studies.
  • Analyzed retrieved clinical trials and publications.

Main Results:

  • Most short-term and long-term trials show beta-blockers are effective and safe for hypertension.
  • Older beta-blockers may adversely affect glucose control and stroke protection, particularly in the elderly.
  • These adverse effects are linked to their mechanism and blood pressure effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-blockers are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs, suitable for first-line therapy in most uncomplicated hypertensive patients.
  • Reservations exist for diabetic and elderly hypertensive patients, but compelling indications warrant their use.
  • Beta-blockers should not be withheld when there are clear reasons for their prescription.

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