Beta-Blockers in Hypertension and Angina Pectoris: Different Compounds, Different Strategies

Their excellent record of efficacy and safety has led nonselective beta-blockers to become one of the commonly prescribed class of drugs for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris and for the prevention of myocardial infarction. Hitherto, different classes of beta-blockers have been considered to be equally effective in the treatment of such conditions, but Beta-Blockers in Hypertension and Angina Pectoris provides evidence that this is not the case. Recent data from the literature, coupled with double-blind controlled studies by the author, lead to the conclusion that beta-1-selective beta-blockers are more effective than nonselective compounds in the treatment of both conditions. Beta-1-selective beta-blockers with additional beta-2-mediated vasodilatory properties may be even more effective in the treatment of patients with unstable angina pectoris. Audience: All physicians involved with the treatment of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Of particular interest to general practitioners.