The history of beta blockers
The history of beta blockers

Summary/Abstract: The history of beta blockers dates back to 1960 with the discovery of propranolol by Scottish James W. Black, who also received the Nobel Prize in 1988. Being the first representative of the beta blocker class, propranolol has long been used in cardiology, in the treatment of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis (still used today) as well as in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and glaucoma. Later, cardioselectivebeta blockers, antiglaucoma (timolol), alpha beta blockers (carvedilol, labetalol), water-soluble (atenolol, nadolol, sotalol) and liposoluble (metoprolol), intrinsic sympathomimetics (acebutolol, pindolol) and metabolically neutral (bisoprolol, nebivolol) developed. Beta blockers are commonly prescribed in patients with cardiovascular disease such as: high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease. Although they are part of the second class of antiarrhythmic drugs, they are rarely prescribed in the treatment of arrhythmias (they are used to treat tachycardia, whether due to anxiety, hyperthyroidism or lithium therapy). Of particular importance is the use of beta blockers in patients suffering from heart failure, which are important in decreasing mortality and morbidity according to guidelines.

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