Another paper published in the October 28, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology raises doubts about the use of beta blockers to control high blood pressure.
According to the report from cardiologists at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, analysis of data from nine controlled trials found a higher incidence of death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure in patients whose heart rate was lowered by beta-blocker treatment.
A third article published in Medical News Today in June 2006 also suggests that beta blockers should not be used as a first line therapy in treating hypertension. This study was conducted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England and suggests that there are numerous other drugs available for treating hypertension that are better suited than beta blockers.
Reference:
Medical News Today (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/46131.php)
Beta Blockers: Risks Versus Benefits 
October 24, 2009 at 12:32 am |
It would be interesting to know if there are medical professionals out there still prescribing betta blockers to manage hypertension and if so what there justification for doing so is.
October 24, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
Shannon,
Here is another article regarding a study done on beta blockers used for hypertension. http://cardiology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2005/1125/1
It seems that this was written about 4 years ago…so not that long ago. Im sure there are still doctors providing this medication for this reason. According to Web MD its indication is for hypertension as well. Im sure there are instances that this medicine would be appropriate , for example, someone with hypertension AND atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias. I agree though, there isnt significant evidence showing that it is better in preventing myocardial infarctions and it isn’t an easy medication to discontinue so quickly. As with all people, I am sure that there are those prescribers that are stuck in the past, stubborn, or “left behind”. Thanks for the comment.