HypertensionCohort study
Beta-blockers in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension: data from the Campania Salute Network Registry
- registry
- multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression
- propensity score matching (PSM)
- overlap weighting (OW)
- intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis
- exploratory per-protocol (PP) sensitivity analysis
Authors' conclusion
In patients with uncomplicated hypertension, beta-blocker use was not associated with a lower risk of MACE, regardless of treatment adherence. These findings are consistent with clinical guidelines that prioritize non-beta-blocker regimens and recommend using beta-blockers in the presence of compelling indications.
Study context
- Population
- Hypertensive patients from the Campania Salute Network (CSN) registry without prevalent coronary or cerebrovascular disease, valvular heart disease, or heart failurehypertensive patients analysed
- Participants
- 6,702 patients
- Exposure
- beta-blocker use and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
- Beta-blocker usen = 1,247
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
MACE · median follow-up of 52 months
Beta-blocker useEstimate (95% CI)
ITT population, multivariable adjustment
Adjusted HR 1.15(0.86–1.52)
propensity score matching
PSM HR 1.18(0.82–1.70)
overlap weighting
OW HR 1.10(0.82–1.46)
- MACE occurred
- 308 MACE (4.5%)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
MACE in adherent patients (exploratory PP sensitivity analysis)
- even among adherent patients, beta-blocker therapy was not associated with a lower risk of MACE
- adherence to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and statins was associated with a lower risk of MACE
- exploratory per-protocol (PP) sensitivity analysis
Metabolic risk factors
- Beta-blocker users also exhibited a higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors, including elevated triglycerides, glycaemia, and uric acid levels
Original publication
Beta-blockers in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension: data from the Campania Salute Network Registry. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 26 May 2026. doi:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcag089
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it