Carvedilol: a third-generation ββ-blocker should be a first-choice ββ-blocker. (January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DiNicolantonio, James J; Hackam, Daniel G
• Is Part Of: Expert review of cardiovascular therapy. Volume 10:Number 1(2012)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2012-01
• Subjects: atenolol -- carvedilol -- heart failure -- hypertension -- metoprolol -- myocardial infarction; Cardiovascular agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.12061
• DOI: 10.1586/erc.11.166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9072

Abstract

Ββ-blockers are a standard of care in many clinical settings such as acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and patients at risk for a coronary event. However, not all ββ-blockers are the same and they vary in properties such as lipophilicity, metabolic profile, receptor inhibition, hemodynamics, tolerability and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects. It has been unclear whether these differences affect outcomes or if one ββ-blocker should be preferred over another. This review will summarize the properties of metoprolol, atenolol and carvedilol, as well as comparative experimental and clinical trials between these agents. We will provide compelling evidence of why carvedilol should be a first-line ββ-blocker and why it offers many advantages over the ββ1-selective ββ-blockers.