The Use of Non‐Selective Beta‐Blockers in Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension

ABSTRACT Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of various chronic liver diseases, which is mainly divided into compensated stage and decompensated stage. Portal hypertension (PH) is a key factor leading to the progression from compensated to decompensated liver cirrhosis. Non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBBs), as the cornerstone drugs for reducing portal vein pressure, have been widely used in the prevention and management of liver cirrhosis and PH‐related complications in recent years. This review summarizes the mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and controversies of NSBBs in the prevention of variceal bleeding, the management of ascites, and the prophylaxis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further efforts are needed to optimize the indications for NSBBs and develop individualized treatment strategies.