How to Define Beta-Blocker Usefulness in Hypertension, Angina and Arrhythmias: An Overview

Abstract

Beta-blocking drugs have multiple direct and indirect effects on cardiovascular function. Competitive blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors influences heart rate, contractility, stroke volume, MVO₂, vascular tone, renin release, blood pressure, the oxy-hemaglobin dissociation curve, platelet function and even calcium fluxes. Accordingly, beta-blockers have been used successfully as both primary and adjunctive therapy to manage a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, angina and arrhythmias. In addition, there has been considerable interest in the potential of beta-blockers to reduce both morbidity (e.g., myocardial reinfarction) and mortality (particularly sudden death) in patients with previous myocardial infarctions. In this session of the Symposium, Drs. Kaplan, Epstein, Morganroth and Rowland detail how to define beta-blocker usefulness in hypertension, angina and arrhythmias, respectively.