Discovery of beta receptor system and the class of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists in the last century has been one of the most important developments in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. A non-cardioselective beta blocker (propranolol) was introduced in the therapy in the early 1960s. Later, the second generation beta1 selective blockers and finally the third generation blockers (with vasodilator property) appeared on the market. Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists have become widely used in cardiovascular therapy for the last decades. They were introduced for the treatment of angina pectoris and arrhythmias and later hypertension and there has been a continuing progress in the treatment of several heart diseases (including congestive heart failure which was contraindicated earlier). The recent clinical indications and practical considerations of beta-blockers are summarized in this review.