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Previous Volume 349:1090-1091 September 11, 2003 Number 11 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: In her Clinical Practice article on the treatment of hypertension, Dr. August (Feb. 13 issue)¹ suggests that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are contraindications to beta-blocker treatment. Beta-blockers are underused in the management of conditions such as angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Morbidity and mortality are increased as a result. The myth that beta-blockers are contraindicated in most patients with asthma and COPD contributes to underprescribing. Data show that cardioselective beta-blockers are safe in such patients.²

Gil Porat, M.D.
Colorado Springs Health Partners
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
poratgil@hotmail.com

1. August P. Initial treatment of hypertension. N Engl J Med 2003;348:610-617. [Free Full Text]
2. Salpeter SR, Ormiston TM, Salpeter EE. Cardioselective -blockers in patients with reactive airway disease: a meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med 2002;137:715-725. [Free Full Text]

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