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  • Review: β blockers are less effective than other antihypertensive drugs for reducing risk of stroke in primary hypertension

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Therapeutics
Review: β blockers are less effective than other antihypertensive drugs for reducing risk of stroke in primary hypertension

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.11.3.85

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    Lindholm LH, Carlberg B, Samuelsson O. Should beta blockers remain first choice in the treatment of primary hypertension? A meta-analysis. Lancet 2005;366:1545–53.
    OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science

    
 
 Q In patients with primary hypertension, are β blockers more effective than placebo or other antihypertensive drugs for reducing stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and all cause mortality?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care★★★★★★☆ IM/Ambulatory care ★★★★★★★ Cardiology ★★★★★★★

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared β blockers as first line treatment with placebo, no treatment, or other antihypertensive drugs in patients with primary hypertension. Subgroup analyses were conducted for non-atenolol β blockers, mixed β blockers or diuretics, and atenolol. 13 RCTs (n = 133 384) met the selection criteria.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    all cause mortality, stroke, and MI.

    MAIN RESULTS

    β blockers led to a lower incidence of stroke …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Professor L H Lindholm, Umea University Hospital, Umea, Sweden. Larsh.lindholm@fammed.umu.se

    • Source of funding: County of Vasterbotten, Sweden.