Beta-blockers 'not as effective in older people'

Many people take beta-blockers in order to alleviate high blood pressure and their presence is a common sight in hundreds of medicine cabinets.

However, the effectiveness of these drugs is now being queried after research at an establishment in the UK found the pills may not be as effective in preventing stroke in older people as in younger ones.

Experts at the University of Leicester conducted studies which show that lowering heart rates in older people, as beta-blockers do, can have a potentially detrimental effect on central aortic pressures, which are in the large arteries close to the heart.

A team led by Bryan Williams, professor of medicine at the University of Leicester, and his colleague Dr Peter Lacy have published the results in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"Such findings can help define the template for optimal treatment strategies and highlight why new methods to estimate central aortic pressures are providing new insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and how new drugs can be tailored to limit the damage," the specialist explained.

As stroke is the second biggest cause of death in the world, this new research is particularly important for older private healthcare insurance customers, professor Williams added.

The specialist, who is also a consultant physician with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, stated that the study gives an important insight into the mechanism which differentiate older patients from younger ones.

"There is no doubt that by better understanding of how modern drugs work in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease, we will be able to continually refine treatments for the future," he explained.

However, professor Williams said that those who are currently taking the medication should not stop doing so, as they are very beneficial for treating private health cover holders with angina, heart disease and many other illnesses.

By Louise Jones

Take a look at our Health Insurance Plans.  

Adfero Ltd provides live and tailored breaking industry news for Chartis Direct. All industry news is prepared by Adfero Ltd and as such does not represent the views or opinions of Chartis Direct a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited.

© Adfero Ltd 2008