Wiysonge, Charles S.Bradley, Hazel A.Volmink, JimmyMayosi, Bongani M.2018-09-032018-09-032017Wiysonge, C.S. et al. 2017. Cochrane corner: beta-blockers for hypertension. Heart, 2017 0:1.http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2017-311585http://hdl.handle.net/10566/3995Beta-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.enThis is the author-version of the article published online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2017-311585Beta-blockersHypertensionEndogenous catecholaminesBeta-adrenergic receptorsArticle