Cardiovascular Protection Using Beta-Blockers

Cardiovascular Protection Using Beta-Blockers

For more than 3 decades, beta-blockers have been widely used in the treatment of hypertension and are still recommended as first-line agents by national and international guidelines. Recent meta-analyses indicate that, in patients with uncomplicated hypertension, compared with other antihypertensive agents, first-line therapy with beta-blockers was associated with an increased risk of stroke, e...

Reappraisal of role of angiotensin receptor blockers in cardiovascular protection

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have shown cardioprotective and renoprotective properties. These agents are recommended as first-line therapy for the treatment of hypertension and the reduction of cardiovascular risk. Early studies pointed to the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of ARBs in high-risk patients. The ONgoing Telmi...

Heart Rate and Cardiovascular Disease: An Alternative to Beta Blockers

Ivabradine, an I(f) inhibitor, acts primarily on the sinoatrial node and is used to reduce the heart rate with minimal effect on myocardial contractility, blood pressure, and intracardiac conduction. Heart rate reduction is an important aspect of care in patients with chronic stable angina and heart failure. Many patients with coronary artery disease have coexisting asthma or chronic obstructiv...

Beta-blockers.

Beta-adrenergic blockers.

beta-Adrenergic blocking drugs have been available for several years to treat ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disorders. There are multiple drugs in this class with various pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that may be important in specific clinical situations and in avoiding certain adverse reactions. These drugs have been shown to be efficaci...