Beta-blockers can lead to heart problems, new research shows

"Beta-blockers, once widely used to lower blood pressure, may actually lead to heart problems, researchers have warned. The drugs work by slowing the heart rate and so reducing blood pressure - which has been shown to have beneficial effects on people who have had a heart attack or who have heart failure. However, the latest study suggests beta-blockers do not help people suffering from hypertension. Participants treated with beta-blockers achieved lower heart rates than did other patients. However, heart rate lowering with beta-blockers increased the risks of dying and of having a heart attack or stroke, and developing heart failure, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology" - Daily Mail