Beta-blockers for high blood pressure – ongoing debate

In this meta-analysis, Khan and McAlister question the findings of a recently published meta-analysis by Lindholm and colleagues, which reported an increased stroke risk with the use of beta-blockers (a class of drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure) compared with other blood pressure medications.

Khan and McAlister re-examine the data used by Lindholm and colleagues and suggest that the risk of stroke is more a concern with patients older than 60 years of age, and that there is no increased risk of stroke among patients younger than 60.

p. 1737 Re-examining the efficacy of beta-blockers for the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis
-- N. Khan, F.A. McAlister

http://www.cmaj.ca/pressrelease/pg1737.pdf

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