Topical questions of beta-blockers application in clinical practice

Abstract

The present review shows the modern view on the possibilities of beta-blockers application in different clinical situations. The class of beta-blockers is a heterogeneous group in terms of clinical usage. The recent critical comments by some researchers on beta-blocker therapy should not misguide the practitioners, who always need to ask themselves the question: what kind of clinical situations and specific beta-blockers are discussed. Some beta-blockers, especially non-selective ones, could demonstrate negative effects and are contraindicated in specific clinical situations (metabolic disorders, COPD, peripheral arterial disease). Modern super-selective beta-blockers such as Betaloc ZOK did not have these negative effect sand could be widely used in clinical practice, even in patients with metabolic syndrome, DM-2 and COPD.Another problem associated with the application of beta-blockers is not frequent prescription or usage of beta-blockers in subthreshold dose.