title: Beta-blockers: no longer an option for uncomplicated hypertension.
abstract: Traditionally, beta-blockers, used as first-line agents to treat uncomplicated hypertension, were recommended by national and international guidelines despite a paucity of evidence regarding their cardiovascular benefit. However, evidence from recent trials and meta-analyses has questioned the use of beta-blockers as preferred agents. This article reviews the data available from clinical trials and argues that beta-blockers are less efficacious than other currently available antihypertensive agents for patients with uncomplicated hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10019, USA.
authors.forename: Sripal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bangalore
authors.forename: Gayathri
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kamalakkannan
authors.forename: Franz H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Messerli
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents