Beta-blockers increased the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to other antihypertensive agents in older patients (RR 1.06), but reduced events compared to placebo in younger patients (RR 0.86).
Meta-Analysis (n=145,811)
Estimación del efecto: RR 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.10)
BACKGROUND: In a recently published meta-analysis, investigators asserted that beta-blockers should not be used to treat hypertension. Because the pathophysiology of hypertension differs in older and younger patients, we designed this meta-analysis to clarify the efficacy of beta-blockers in different age groups. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction and death. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of beta-blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension in preventing major cardiovascular outcomes. Both authors independently evaluated the eligibility of all trials. Trials enrolling older (mean age at baseline > or = 60 years) patients were separated from those enrolling younger (mean age < 60 years) patients. Data were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: Our analysis incorporated data from 145 811 participants in 21 hypertension trials. In placebo-controlled trials, beta-blockers reduced major cardiovascular outcomes in younger patients (risk ratio RR 0.86, 95% confidence interval CI 0.74-0.99, based on 794 events in 19 414 patients) but not in older patients (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.05, based on 1115 events in 8019 patients). In active comparator trials, beta-blockers demonstrated similar efficacy to other antihypertensive agents in younger patients (1515 events in 30 412 patients, RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.07) but not in older patients (7405 events in 79 775 patients, RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10), with the excess risk being particularly marked for strokes (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07-1.30). INTERPRETATION: beta-blockers should not be considered first-line therapy for older hypertensive patients without another indication for these agents; however, in younger patients beta-blockers are associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Nadia Khan (Mon,) conducted a meta-analysis in Hypertension (n=145,811). Beta-blockers vs. Placebo or other antihypertensive agents was evaluated on Composite of stroke, myocardial infarction and death (older patients ≥60 years vs active comparator) (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10). Beta-blockers increased the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to other antihypertensive agents in older patients (RR 1.06), but reduced events compared to placebo in younger patients (RR 0.86).