2010 Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for ...

Module 7Drug Treatment for People with HypertensionBeta-blockerThe decision not to recommend Beta-blockers for first line therapy is based onevidence from head-to-head trials 19,20,21,22 that beta-blockers were less effectivethan the comparator drug at reducing major cardiovascular events, in particularstroke. An additional concern is the increased risk of developing diabetes,particular with the combination of thiazide-type diuretic. However, beta-blockersmay be considered in younger people, particularly 24 :‣ ¾ for those with an intolerance or contraindication to ACE inhibitors andangiotensin-II antagonists or‣ ¾ for women of child-bearing potential or‣ ¾ for patients who have previously had a heart attack, angina, heart failure or anirregular heart beatHK Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings4