LITERATURE REVIEW: SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF BETA BLOCKERS AGAINST ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS IN HYPERTENSION

Aysha Shaharbanu*, Shamnidha S., Fidhin Shaharoora and Vinod Thomas

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of beta blockers against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective in lowering blood pressure. But the clinical evidences shows a various side effects in beta blockers than in the ACE inhibitors which cause the discontinuation of beta blocker in the therapy. It has been observed that ACE inhibitors can cause side effects, some of which are rarely fatal. Consequently, their effectiveness is enhanced when combined with other antihypertensive drugs like calcium channel blockers and diuretics. This combination helps to limit side effects by adjusting the dose accordingly. Both angiotensin converting enzyme and beta blocker shows tolerance. Beta blockers was commonly used in the treatment of hypertension 3 decades back and now by knowing its effects it is not at all used as first line treatment in hypertension. The Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective in treatment of other cardiovascular diseases also, which include chronic heart failure, stroke, migraine angina anxiety glaucoma. We found that ACE inhibitors are safer and more effective than beta blockers. Therefore, ACE inhibitors can be given as a first-line agent in the treatment of hypertension. It is advisable to avoid beta blockers due to their side effects and the availability of better drug therapies.

Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta blockers, efficacy, hypertension, safety.