Beta blockers for hypertension patients with no history of CVD

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey BBM,

The title pretty much says it all. I see a good amount of patients getting prescribed beta blockers to treat hypertension despite not having any cardiac past medical history. From what I understand this seems to be an old notion and there are better medications available (Ie. all of the medications targeting the renin-angiotensin system). What are your opinions on beta blockers for HTN patients? If already on b-blockers is there specific way of weaning off the medication into something else like lisinopril? Or just quit cold turkey?

2

Correct. I do not initiate beta blocker therapy as a first (or second, or third) line therapy for hypertension in the absence of another clear indication for beta blockade like chronic heart failure. Depending on the dosage of beta blocker, it may need to be weaned to mitigate rebound tachycardia, but if the dose is low, it may be fine to stop under the guidance of a physician.