Hypertension and COVID-19: potential use of beta-blockers and a call for randomized evidence

Indian Heart J. 2021 Oct 27:S0019-4832(21)00230-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ihj.2021.10.011. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHypertension is one of the most common morbidities in COVID-19. Previous studies demonstrated that hypertension increases composite poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Beta-blockers is widely usedas one of the most common antihypertensive agents. Beta-blockers may hold potential benefits in COVID-19 treatment, with current evidence of the potential mechanism of beta-blockers remains scarce. However, several mechanisms were suggested, including decreasing RAAS pathway activity and lowering the ACE2 levels, reducing cytokine storms, and may be beneficial in reducing mortality in ARDS related COVID-19. Further large-scale randomized clinical trials should be conducted before a definite recommendation can be drawn.PMID:34717930 | PMC:PMC8550882 | DOI:10.1016/j.ihj.2021.10.011
Source: Indian Heart J - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research