Alpha blockers: a reassessment of their role in therapy.

Abstract

Intended for the treatment of hypertension, alpha blockers offer advantages in treating patients who also have other risk factors for coronary artery disease. Alpha blockers lower blood pressure by decreasing vascular resistance and are effective for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. In addition, alpha blockers have beneficial effects on lipid levels; they increase high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels. Alpha blockers do not induce glucose intolerance or hyperinsulinemia. Although they appear to decrease left ventricular mass, the clinical significance of this action is unknown. Alpha blockers are also effective for improving the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, although surgery is recommended for patients with severe symptoms.