Current status of Beta blocker therapy

Abstract

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are an increasingly important class of drugs to the family physician. Diseases such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension and hyperthyroidism have responded dramatically to beta-blocking therapy. This article summarizes some of the current knowledge on the beta-receptor, the indications for beta-receptor blocking therapy, and the properties of the five beta-blocking agents currently available to Canadian physicians.