임 상 엽* The Role of Beta Blockers in Treating Hypertensive Patients

Beta-blockers have been used to treat hypertension for many years. Although beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, current data concerning the efficacy of these drugs have been disappointing, and the value of these drugs for patients without a compelling indication has been questioned. The early beta-blockers had significant pharmacologic disadvantages; however, new-generation beta-blockers have better pharmacologic profiles. The efficacy and tolerability of the most recently developed vasodilating beta-blockers (carvedilol and nebivolol) are currently being evaluated. Further investigation of these new beta-blockers is needed. Key Words: Hypertension; Beta-blocker; Carvedilol; Nebivolol 서