For a 68-year-old woman with a history of HF and current hypertension, what class of medication should be prioritized?

The prioritization of beta-blockers in managing a 68-year-old woman with a history of heart failure (HF) and current hypertension is grounded in clinical guidelines and evidence supporting their benefits in heart failure patients. Beta-blockers play a significant role in the management of heart failure, particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

These medications improve survival, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance overall heart function by lowering heart rate, reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and providing additional neurohormonal modulation. They also help in managing hypertension, which is particularly relevant in this patient's case, as controlling blood pressure is critical to prevent further cardiac strain and complications.

In heart failure, especially when associated with hypertension, beta-blockers such as carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, or bisoprolol are often recommended. They are established as foundational therapy in heart failure management alongside ACE inhibitors, which also have beneficial effects but are typically initiated after or concurrently with beta-blockers.

While ACE inhibitors also provide crucial benefits in heart failure and hypertension management, especially related to preventing remodeling and renal protection, the stronger survival benefit with the initiation of beta-blockers makes them a priority in patients with heart failure.

Calcium channel blockers are