Beta-Blockers in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The past several years have witnessed a increase throughout the world in the use of beta-blocking drugs for the management nf hypertension and angina.The role of the adrenergic nervous systeth in influencing the outflow tract obstruction from the left and right ventricles in obstructive cardio— myopathv is well established. In man, stimulat ion of the sympathetic nervous system produces significant outflow tract obstruction in obstructive cardiomyopathy, and leads to further ventricular hypertrOphy and then to more out flow tract ohstructiàn (Flamm et al., 1968)27. This vicious cycle may be interrupred by trearment with Beta-Blocking drugs: producing favourable alt eration in the racJjent between the left ventricle and aorta. CONCLUSION: In conclusion it may be said that many pharmacological aspects of Beta-B!ockers have been uncovered, hut its exact mode of action,, especially in hypertension, is not fully understoocL There are many advantages in the use of Beta Blockers in various fields of cardiovascular di!ieases, however, Beta-Blockers are active phar— macàlogical agents and their use should he made judiciously and carefully. period of time. Needless to say that like all new drugs about which we start with a lot of enthusiasm, we should keep a watch as to the corn— p1ictions whtat may arise with these agents over prolonged period of treatment and this should be done by all doctors who are maintaining their patients on long—term therapy with Beta—Blockers.