Cochrane corner: beta-blockers for hypertension
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Abstract
Beta-blockers refer to an assorted group of medications that block the action of endogenous catecholamines on beta-adrenergic receptors.1 The ß1 and ß2 receptorsare the primary beta-adrenergic receptors in the human cardiovascular system. Beta- blockers differ in their ß1/ ß2-receptor selectivity and vasodilatory properties. Based on this diversity, beta-blockers have been categorised into first, second and third generation. First-generation beta-blockers, also referred to as non-selective blockers, possess equal affinity for ß1 and ß2 receptors. Second-generation (or selective) beta-blockers exercise more affinity for ß1 than ß2 receptors. Neither of these traditional beta-blockers has vasodilatory properties, which is an intrinsic characteristic of third-generation beta-blockers.
Description
Keywords
Beta-blockers, Hypertension, Endogenous catecholamines, Beta-adrenergic receptors
Citation
Wiysonge, C.S. et al. 2017. Cochrane corner: beta-blockers for hypertension. Heart, 2017 0:1.