Nebivolol - A unique breed of Beta-blocker

THE overall burden of hypertensive cardiovas of hypertension in Filipino adults cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure as a cause of the heart disease) is increasing at worrisome rate. By 2025, it is expected that the number of people with hypertension will increase from 972 million in 2000 to 1.56 billion (an increase of 29.2%) In Southeast Asia, almost l in 3 persons has hypertension and almost 1.5 million of their citizens die of hypertension-related disease every year. The Asia Pacific cohort studies have shown that Asian populations are at greater risk of the adverse effects related to hypertension compared with Caucasian.

In the Philippines, a survey showed a 21 prevalence, with 5% of the population or 23.8% unaware of their disease.

The primary goal in the treatment of high blood pressure is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality (death) and morbidity (disease). Guidelines on both sides of the Atlantic ocean have identified the benefits of anti hypertensive treatment, showing a 42% of stroke and a 14% decrease in coronary heart disease. In terms of mortality, antihypertensive treatment decreases cardiovascular mortality by 21%. Sixty one prospective observational studies have shown that even just a 2-mm Hg decrease in mean systolic blood pressure can yield a 7% reduction in the risk of heart disease and a 10% reduction in stroke.

Fellow physicians, our dear patients and friends, we can now rejoice, because we have in our midst, a new kid in the block, so to speak, with a lot of reassuring excellent therapeutic profile.

Nebivolol, a unique beta blocker, was introduced to the Filipino health community by no less than one of pillars of cardiovascular medicine in the country. Dr. Romeo Divinagracia, a world-renown cardiologist and Professor Emeritus of the UERMMMC, led specialists and experts in the discussion of the sterling qualities of Nebivolol. The therapeutic profile of Nebivolol as beta blocker includes its endothelium induced nitric oxide (NO) mediated effects (vasodilatory or blood-vessel-opening effect) and the beta-1 receptor blockade that both improve the hemodynamic profile of the drug.

Furthermore, research and studies have shown that the NO-mediated endothelial function has been found to have anti-oxidant effects, anti-atherosclerotic effects, anti-proliferative and inhibitory activity on platelets, thus reducing the risk of forming blood clots that could obstruct blood flow to important organs. On top of that, the beneficial hemodynamic effects of Nebivolol (Nebilet) have also been demonstrated in hypertensive patients with increased cardiac output, and decreased total peripheral resistance.

Another very encouraging quality of nebivolol is its use in congestive heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. As compared to atenolol, nebivolol was found to increase stroke volume both at rest and during exercise activity of the patient in congestive heart failure, accompanied by a significant reduction in the pulmonary wedge pressure, all of which translate clinically into a happier patient, with less difficulty in breathing, converting the patient from an anxious nervous wreck into a very pleasant, smiling person.

Isn’t it time you try Nebilet? A Nebivolol whose 5 mg tablet is scored for economic and convenient dosing. Ask your doctor about Nebilet.