title: Use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents after myocardial infarction.
abstract: Long-term clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in modifying the natural history of myocardial infarction (MI). In most of these studies, a lower mortality rate was documented in patients receiving a beta-blocker than in those receiving placebo. The drugs may have both antiarrhythmic and antiischemic effects. In patients without contraindications to beta-blocker treatment, a relative reduction in mortality of 25% can be expected for at least one to two years, with the reduction higher in older patients or patients having complications at infarction. Study results indicate benefit from starting beta-blocker therapy early after infarction, and some benefit from starting late seems a reasonable assumption. Evidence also points to a benefit from prolonged therapy. Beta-blockers are well tolerated in most patients; those major side effects that do occur are often cardiovascular.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Frishman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruggio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Furberg
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects; D011897:Random Allocation; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol