First-Line β-Blocker Use for Hypertension in the Veterans Health Administration.

ABSTRACT: Starting in 2014, US guidelines have not recommended β-blockers for first-line treatment of hypertension in the absence of compelling indications due to their tolerability profile and inferior protection against stroke and mortality compared with other first-line agents. The prevalence and factors associated with this guideline-discordant practice are unknown. To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with first-line β-blocker use among those without compelling indications for a β-blocker. Serial cross-sectional study of new users of antihypertensive medications using national, patient-level data in the Veterans Health Administration between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2022. Patients were veterans initiating antihypertensive medications for newly diagnosed hypertension in

SUBMITTER: Derington CG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12391979 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature