Fortschritte der Medizin
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Fortschritte der Medizin · Aug 1993
Review[Indications spectrum for beta-1-selective adrenergic receptor blockers].
The major indications for beta receptor blockers include, in addition to arterial hypertension, various clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease. Used as antihypertensive agents, beta receptor blockers bring about regression of myocardial hypertrophy and an improvement in diastolic ventricular function. ⋯ A detailed knowledge of the subtypes of adrenoceptors--in particular beta-1 receptors in the case of the heart--led to the development of largely organ-specific antagonists. In contrast to nonspecific beta blockers, beta-1 selective substances, for example, atenolol, have only a mild, clinically non-relevant, effect on glucose and lipid metabolism.