Beta-Blockers in Hypertension and Angina Pectoris

Their record of efficacy and safety has led nonselective beta-blockers to become one of the commonly prescribed class of drugs for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris as well as for the prevention of myocardial infarction. This text reveals that although different classes of beta-blockers have been considered to be equally effective in the treatment of such conditions, this is not the case. Data from the literature, coupled with double-blind controlled studies by the author, leads to the conclusion that beta-1-selective beta-blockers are more effective than nonselective compounds in the treatment of both conditions. Beta-1-selective beta-blockers with additional beta-2-mediated vasodilatory properties may be even more effective in the treatment of patients with unstable angina pectoris.