A popular class of blood pressure medicines has been for the most part dissed in a major medical journal, prompting questions as to whether patient should switch from the treatment they’re currently taking.

For three decades now, beta-blockers have been an important treatment for high blood pressure. However, there have been several studies that have questioned their effectiveness, and this latest one makes it clear that this once-favorite group of blood pressure medicines is rapidly falling out of favor.

For three decades now, beta-blockers have been an important treatment for high blood pressure. However, there have been several studies that have questioned their effectiveness, and this latest one makes it clear that this once-favorite group of blood pressure medicines is rapidly falling out of favor.

When Denise Benmosche was diagnosed with high blood pressure, she was given medicine which worked for a time, but the pressure went up again. “They chose another medication so now I’m on a combination of two. I’m on atenolol,” says Denise. It’s the right choice for Denise; but for many patients, maybe the wrong one.

According to new research in the British journal The Lancet, atenolol, also known as tenormin, and all the medicines in it’s family, the beta blockers, appear to be a less than desirable selection if treating high blood pressure alone.

The researchers found the risk of stroke was 16 percent higher with beta-blockers than with other drugs. And, the overall risk of death was 3 percent higher--implying the medicines aren’t doing the job they’re supposed to do. Atenolol alone was associated with a 26 percent higher risk of stroke.

Denise says, “Stroke is terrible bad, cause you don’t know how you’re going to come out of it. You don’t want to have a stroke. If you can prevent stroke, one should prevent stroke.”

The researchers argue that if every single patient, in New York and elsewhere, who is on a beta blocker gets switched over to a calcium channel blocker, like adalat cc or procardia, there would be a 25 percent reduced frequency of stroke. In other words, there’s really no good reason to use beta blockers as the only treatment for high blood pressure.

Dr. Niece Goldberg, a cardiologist, says, “The study gives a good framework for new recommendations and new guidelines, but when it comes down to it it always comes down to the person who is coming in to the office and individualized prescription for their needs.” She argues blood pressure management is not a one size fits all concept, and beta blockers are useful for many patients. “If you’ve had a heart attack and high blood pressure, a beta blocker can lower your blood pressure but also lower your risk of a second heart attack.”

The authors say switching from beta-blockers to other inexpensive blood pressure medicines in patients without heart disease should be done. Dr. Goldberg doesn’t necessarily agree. “The bigger risk for stroke is not having your blood pressure controlled. This study wouldn’t shift my therapy in someone who already has controlled blood pressure.”

If you are being started on blood pressure medicine, you should simply ask the doctor what you are being prescribed, what kind of drug it is and whether this is the best option for you individually.

For those on beta-blockers, you should absolutely not just stop the beta blocker. They need to be tapered under a doctor’s guidance.

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