Key result
Beta-blockers effectively reduce blood pressure, but their effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remains controversial and they are not preferred as first-line therapy in hypertension.
Why the study?
Do beta-blockers reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension?
Do beta-blockers reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension?
This review highlights the ongoing debate and current guideline recommendations regarding the use of beta-blockers as first-line therapy for uncomplicated hypertension.
Reinforces guideline preference against first-line beta-blockers in uncomplicated hypertension; leaves open need for updated outcome trials.
Hypertension represents the most common cardiovascular risk factor, affecting more than 25% of the adult population in developed societies. Although beta-blockers have been previously shown to effectively reduce blood pressure and have been used for hypertension treatment for over 40 years, their effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients remains controversial and their use in uncomplicated hypertension is currently still under debate. According to the previous recommendations beta-blockers should not be preferred as first-line therapy in hypertension patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge on application of beta-blockers in patients with hypertension and discusses the most recent guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension (2009) on beta-blockers applications. Keywords: Hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, beta-blocker, cardiovascular risk, beta-blockers, blood pressure, carteolol, carvedilol, labetalol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, ESH/ESC 2007, European Lacidipine Study on Atherosclerosis, Losar-tan Intervention For Endpoint, Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial, Blood Pressure Low-ering Arm, International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study, Metoprolol Atherosclerosis Prevention in Hypertension, ACE inhibitors, Conduit Artery Function Evaluation, Canadian Hypertension Education Program, coronary artery disease CHF, congestive heart failure
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bielecka‐Dąbrowa et al. (2010) conducted a review in Hypertension. Beta-blockers was evaluated. Beta-blockers effectively reduce blood pressure, but their effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remains controversial and they are not preferred as first-line therapy in hypertension.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: