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. However, the benefit of beta-blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension without compelling indications is controversial.
Key findings
- Beta-blockers probably make little or no difference in the number of deaths among people on treatment for high blood pressure;
- Beta-blockers may make little or no difference to the number of heart attacks among people with high blood pressure;
- People given beta-blockers are more likely to have side effects and stop treatment than people taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, but there may be little or no difference in side effects between beta-blockers and diuretics or calcium-channel blockers.
 Evidence Assessment: Beta-blockers for hypertension | [ ] | 609 kB |
