Beta-adrenergic receptor (BAR) agonists and antagonists are among the most widely used drugs in America today. This review highlights the importance of cross-racial studies in evaluating BAR effects because heterogeneity in pharmacologic response among humans exists. Clinicians and basic scientists in the drug development industry need to acknowledge racial differences in antihypertensive drug responses and prevent various racial groups from being underrepresented in clinical trials. This article reviews the influence of race on BAR responses with emphasis on blacks and whites. Information from patients with hypertension, healthy volunteers, and in vitro studies is presented.
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