Is beta 1-antagonism essential for the antihypertensive action of beta-blockers?

Is /3,-Antagonism Essential for the Antihypertensive Action of /3-Blockers?

Both nonselective /3-blockers and /3i-selective blockers are effective antihypertensive agents. /3,-Blockade generally is considered to be responsible for their antihypertensive action, whereas /32-blockade is regarded as undesirable. These common assumptions notwithstanding, the mechanism by which /3-blockers lower blood pressure remains unknown. To examine the possibility that /32blockade may...

Antihypertensive Therapy: Beta-Blockers and Diuretics - What is the Evidence?

Beta-blockers and diuretics in antihypertensive therapy: the debate continues.

BUMC PROCEEDINGS 2000;13:379–380 Editor’s note: In the April 2000 issue, Dr. Franz Messerli published an article entitled “Antihypertensive therapy: beta-blockers and diuretics— why do physicians not always follow guidelines?” BUMC Proceedings published commentaries to this article by Dr. Marvin Moser of Yale University School of Medicine and Dr. Norman Kaplan of The University of Texas Southwe...

Beta Blockers are Good Choice as First line Antihypertensive Agents

For more than 3 decades beta blockers have been widely used in the treatment of hypertension and are still recommended as first line agents (1,2). Beta blockers have been in use not only in hypertension but in other cardiovascular conditions. Since long period, beta blockers have assumed a guideline-recommended treatment option for hypertension. However, recent meta-analyses have questioned whe...

Beta-blockers for hypertension

BACKGROUND Beta-blockers refer to a mixed group of drugs with diverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. They have shown long-term beneficial effects on mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) when used in people with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Beta-blockers were thought to have similar beneficial effects when used as first-line therapy for hypertension. Howev...