ABSTRACT
Beta-blockers β-adrenoceptor blockers have been used as cardiovascular drugs for decades now, having been discovered in the 1950s. They have a wellestablished role in the management of ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and hypertension (Table 26). β-blockers reduce heart rate and contractility, thereby reducing myocardial oxygen demand; the reduction in heart rate allows for increased coronary flow during diastole, which improves oxygen supply. Therefore, β-blockers are useful in treating ischaemic heart disease. Furthermore, certain β-blockers have been shown to reduce mortality and recurrent ischaemia after myocardial infarction (MI). βblockers are thought to reduce blood pressure via a central action, in part, possibly augmenting the effects of reduced cardiac output.
