How useful are beta-blockers in cardiovascular disease?

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that beta-blockers in patients with hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, in particular stroke, leading to headlines speculating the end of the beta-blocker era. The objective of this review is to critically examine the usefulness of beta-blockers in cardiovascular diseases. We reviewed the currently available evidence for the usefulness of beta-blockers in patients with hypertension and also assessed the efficacy of its use for other indications, like, chronic heart failure, stable angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias etc. The review of the currently available literature shows that for patients with uncomplicated hypertension, there is paucity of data or absence of evidence to support use of beta-blockers as monotherapy or as first line agent. Given the risk of stroke and numerous unacceptable adverse effects, the risk benefit ratio for beta-blockers is not acceptable for this indication. However, beta-blockers are very efficacious agents for the treatment of heart failure, certain types of arrhythmia, and post myocardial infarction. The various guideline committees should seriously reconsider their decision about their endorsement of beta-blockers as first line therapy for uncomplicated hypertension. However, this is applicable for hypertension and beta-blockers continue to be efficacious for other indications.