Beta-blockers in treatment of cardiovascular diseases: current position of carvedilol

The article is devoted to the role of beta-blockers in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Based on the results of numerous large clinical trials, the author demonstrates the effectiveness of this group of drugs that can affect not only sympathetic activity, which results into reduction of hypersympathicotonia symptoms, but also the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Positive clinical effects of drugs of this group are shown on the example of beta-blocking agent carvedilol: it exerts β- and α-blocking effects and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptopic activity, is metabolically neutral, therefore it can be administered to patients with hypertension and diabetes, as well as patients with metabolic syndrome, which is of paramount importance in treatment of the elderly. Beta-blocking agents have positive effect on CVD risk factors and provide protection of target organs in hypertensive patients, patients with chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation and after myocardial infarction. The choice of beta-blocking agents, the knowledge of indications and contraindications to their administration, the opportunity to prevent the negative effects of these drugs expand medical potential for use of beta-blocking agents in clinical practice.