Advantages and disadvantages of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs in hypertension

This paper reviews the role of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs in the treatment of hypertension. A significant proportion of patients presenting with mild or moderate hypertension will respond to general measures and do not require specific drug therapy. Of the remaining patients, some will respond to treatment with a thiazide diuretic alone, and those with severe grades of hypertension will require the addition of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug, occasionally together with a vasodilator. The advantages of beta-adrenergic lbocking drugs alone or in combination and the problems associated with therapy are discussed.