Abstract
Beta-blockers have been used to treat hypertension for many years. Although beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, current data concerning the efficacy of these drugs have been disappointing, and the value of these drugs for patients without a compelling indication has been questioned. The early beta-blockers had significant pharmacologic disadvantages; however, new-generation beta-blockers have better pharmacologic profiles. The efficacy and tolerability of the most recently developed vasodilating beta-blockers (carvedilol and nebivolol) are currently being evaluated. Further investigation of these new beta-blockers is needed.
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