Beta Blockers Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Beta blockers such at metoprolol and atenolol should not be used as the first medicine to treat high blood pressure. This according to updates posted via The Cochrane Collaboration, a respected organziation that assembles and reviews medical data.

While details are still emerging, the Cochrane review found that beta blockers are inferior to calcium channel blockers for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

Ultimately, the review found a 1.3% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease among patients taking beta blockers as compared to calcium channel blockers.

Because this study is the among the first of its kind, additional research will be needed to cause a major change in drug treatment regimens for high blood pressure. This is especially true because of the wealth of existing data demonstrating the beneficial effects of beta blockers.