The Place of Alpha Blockers in the Treatment of Hypertension

Abstract

Alpha₁ adrenoceptor antagonists are safe, effective, well tolerated drugs which can be used alone or in combination with other drug groups in a wide range of hypertensive patients. Alpha₁ blockers not only lower blood pressure but may improve insulin sensitivity and the adverse lipid profile in many hypertensive patients. In addition to causing few side effects, alpha₁ blockers are not contra-indicated in patients with associated cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Alpha₁ blockers offer the potential to improve the risk factor profile more than conventional antihypertensive drugs.

Key Words:

• Alpha₁
• adrenoceptor antagonists
• hypertension
• hyperlipidemia
• insulin resistance