What Is the Role of Beta Blocker Therapy in the Treatment of Hypertension

Dr. Jan Basile from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston moderated the topic "What Is the Role of Beta Blocker Therapy in the Treatment of Hypertension?" with Drs. John Cockroft, from The Wales Heart Research Institute and Alan Gradman, from Temple University participating. The discussion focused primarily on: (1) classification of different types of beta blockers, (2) beta blockers as initial and secondary therapy, (3) use of beta blockers in patients with compelling indications, such as coronary heart disease and heart failure, (4) the AB/CD rule, (5) therapy for the patient with resting tachycardia, (6) beta blockers' effectiveness in younger and older patients, (7) the benefits associated with vasodilatory beta blockers, including new onset diabetes, (8) the use of central pressure measurements rather than brachial pressure, (9) side effects such as erectile dysfunction, (10) the impact of beta blockers on diastolic dysfunction and (11) the frequency of postural hypotension and impact of additional nitric oxide release. (Med Roundtable Cardiovasc Ed. 2010;1(2):25-31) ©2010 FoxP2 Media, LLC