Beta blockade in the post-myocardial infarction setting: pharmacologic rationale and clinical evidence.
The use of beta blockers reduces the risk of arrhythmias, reinfarction, and heart failure in both the immediate and long-term periods after a myocardial infarction. Every patient should be prescribed a beta blocker after a myocardial infarction unless there is a strong contraindication to therapy. Despite compelling evidence and recommendations, beta blockers remain an underutilized therapy in the post-myocardial infarction period. Evidence-based recommendations for the choice of agent and the practical implementation of beta blockers are reviewed.
Williams
Randall E
RE
Northwestern University School of Medicine, Evanston, IL, and Midwest Heart Specialists, Hoffman Estates, IL 60194, USA. rwilliams@northwestern.edu
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists