Should beta blockers remain first-line drugs for hypertension?

Hypertension is an important risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular events. National and international guidelines recognise five classes of drugs for the first-line treatment of hypertension, but the effectiveness of beta blockers has recently been questioned, especially in the elderly. However, achieving a lower blood pressure is more important than the choice of drug used in treatment. Many patients will need more than one drug to treat their hypertension. Beta blockers remain important and effective drugs, but age and comorbidities need to be considered when selecting a first-line drug.