Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Beta blockers for hypertension - RIP

Guidelines issued today by the UK's NHS drugs watchdog (NICE) have given new advice on which medicines should be used to treat high blood pressure.

They now recommend that beta-blockers should no longer be routinely used.

The Guideline recommends using ACE Inhibitors as first line in all patients under the age of 55. It also suggests using CCBs or thiazide diuretics for patients aged over 55 or black patients of any age.

The BBC produced quite a nice Q and A piece.

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