Key result
Vasodilatory beta-blockers have emerged as potent antihypertensives with better reduction of central aortic pressure and a neutral or favorable metabolic profile.
Why the study?
What is the therapeutic role of beta-blockers as first-line antihypertensives in hypertension management?
What is the therapeutic role of beta-blockers as first-line antihypertensives in hypertension management?
This review highlights the evolving role of beta-blockers in hypertension, suggesting that newer vasodilatory beta-blockers may overcome the metabolic and stroke-prevention limitations of traditional agents.
Should not yet shift first-line recommendations; leaves open need for outcome trials on vasodilatory agents.
Beta-blockers have been used as first-time antihypertensives for decades and such use has also been recommended by guidelines. However, subsequently some meta-analyses questioned this status of beta-blockers by bringing to light their limitation in terms of stroke prevention and their metabolic sideeffects. Following this, several major international hypertension guidelines have removed beta-blockers from the first line of recommended drugs. Some other guidelines, however, have retained them as first-line antihypertensive. Age is an important determinant of choice of antihypertensives and beta-blockers have proven to be very useful in young hypertensives especially if overweight. Amidst these controversies, vasodilatory beta-blockers have emerged with a new promise. They are potent antihypertensives with better reduction of central aortic pressure and a neutral or favorable metabolic profile.
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Soumitra Kumar (2016) conducted a review in Hypertension. Beta-blockers was evaluated. Vasodilatory beta-blockers have emerged as potent antihypertensives with better reduction of central aortic pressure and a neutral or favorable metabolic profile.
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