title: [Controversies and dilemmas on the use of beta-blockers in treatment of associated cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
abstract: In the last decade, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been considered a syndrome with multiple phenotypical facets and systemic components. Chronic diseases are associated, in time, with several comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease represents the most common comorbidity in COPD, increases its handicap and mortality indices. Most entities associated with cardiovascular disease require treatment with beta-blockers. However, beta-blockers are a "two-edged sword" when administered in obstructive pulmonary disorder. The use of beta-blockers should be assessed by their action on three areas: their effect on FEV1, their effect on bronchial hyperreactivity, the result obtained when additionally administering beta-agonists. The result of beta-blocker administration is influenced by the involvement of several other factors: the cardioselectivity of the beta-blocker, the dosage, the concomitant administration of beta-agonists, the stage of the disease (stable or exacerbation of COPD), smoker status etc. Their administration under strict monitoring results in a decreased morbidity and mortality, including in patients who had undergone cardiovascular surgery. The overall conclusion is that beta-blockers may be administered in COPD associated with cardiac comorbidity, but this administration requires utmost care.
authors.affiliation: GlaxoSmithKline, România. corina.c.pescaru@gsk.com
authors.forename: Camelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pescaru
authors.forename: Voicu
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tudorache
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oancea
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists