Beta-blockers for treatment of hypertension.
Beta-blockers are an established class in the management of hypertension, and numerous randomized, controlled trials have shown that these drugs can prevent cardiovascular events in this population. However, beta-blockers are underutilized in managing the general hypertensive population. This phenomenon may stem in part from concerns about side effects. On the contrary, beta-blockers demonstrate comparable efficacy, safety, and tolerability compared with other classes of antihypertensive drugs. Because beta-blockers offer unique cardiovascular protection, they should be considered an integral part of the treatment regimen for patients with hypertension who are at risk for cardiovascular events.
Basile
Jan N
JN
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, 109 Bee St., Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Jan.Basile@med.va.gov
Cohen
Jerome D
JD
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists