Overview of the pharmacology, and use of third-generation beta-blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and a comparison between third-generation beta-blockers and older generations in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The third-generation beta-blockers have an additional vasodilatory effect that is not seen in the 1st- or 2nd-generations as well as other properties that might give them an advantage in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in certain patient groups.