Studies with a new cardioselective beta-blocker, metoprolol.

These studies indicate that the cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocking drug metoprolol might be expected to be at least as effective for the treatment of arterial hypertension as propranolol. The difference in effect on the peripheral vascular bed may be of importance when acute increase of the blood adrenaline level occur, as in severe anxiety states. Experience in long-term studies in all kinds of patients with raised arterial pressure has confirmed that metoprolol is an active antihypertensive agent of similar potency to other beta-blocking agents.