Abstract: Since portal hypertension is the primary cause of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, an effective reduction in the hepatic venous pressure gradient（HVPG） contributes mainly to the cure of variceal bleeding. As a non-selective β1/β2 and α1 adrenoceptor antagonist,carvedilol decreases the risk of variceal bleeding by the means of relieving portal hypertension. In this paper,we review the prevention of carvedilol on gastroesophageal variceal haemorrhage with emphasis on its outstanding features over classical beta-blockers such as propranolol and nebivolol,or other therapies as band ligation,or combination of propranolol and nitrates with the hope of providing a better guidance to clinic practice.

Key words: Cirrhosis, Portal hypertension, Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, Non-selective β1/β2 antagonists, Carvedilol