CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
The most recent articles from:
CMAJ
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Meta Analysis
Re-examining the efficacy of beta-blockers for the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis.
In a recently published meta-analysis, investigators asserted that beta-blockers should not be used to treat hypertension. Because the pathophysiology of hypertension differs in older and younger patients, we designed this meta-analysis to clarify the efficacy of beta-blockers in different age groups. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction and death. ⋯ beta-blockers should not be considered first-line therapy for older hypertensive patients without another indication for these agents; however, in younger patients beta-blockers are associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.