From the Research
Beta-blockers are effective in lowering blood pressure as add-on to monotherapy or as a component of combination antihypertensive therapy, and can be used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, as supported by the most recent study 1. The question of beta-blockers' effectiveness in hypertension management is a crucial one, with significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
- The study published in 2023 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence on this topic, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making.
- According to this study, non-atenolol β-blockers are effective in lowering blood pressure as add-on to monotherapy or as a component of combination antihypertensive therapy.
- The study's results are consistent with current hypertension guideline recommendations, which suggest that β-blockers can and should be used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
- While other studies, such as those published in 2021 2, 2007 3, and 2001 4, provide additional insights into the effectiveness of beta-blockers, they are superseded by the more recent and higher quality evidence presented in the 2023 study 1.
- The 2020 study 5 on clinical practice guidelines highlights the importance of considering individual patient needs and preferences when deviating from guideline recommendations, but does not directly address the effectiveness of beta-blockers in hypertension management.
- In clinical practice, the use of beta-blockers as add-on or combination therapy should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence, with consideration of individual patient factors and preferences.