Beta blockade in the primary prevention of hypertensive cardiovascular events with focus on sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are useful drugs in the treatment of hypertension. In multiple clinical trials, beta blockers have been found to decrease the incidence of stroke and overall cardiovascular mortality. To provide maximal benefit, in particular, to blunt the early-morning surge in blood pressure associated with the increased circadian incidence of sudden cardiac death, the more cardioselective and longer-acting agents of this drug class are preferred.