Indefinite β-Blocker Therapy After Myocardial Infarction?

In a randomized trial, patients who stopped their β-blockers were slightly more likely to be hospitalized for cardiovascular reasons.

Indefinite β-blocker therapy after myocardial infarction (MI) has been challenged recently. The perception that patients often have side effects from long-term β-blocker use is an impetus for examining whether these drugs are necessary after contemporary management of MI.

In this French trial, 3700 β-blocker–treated patients with previous MI and coronary revascularization were randomized to continue or stop β-blockers. The median interval between the MI and trial enrollment was 3 years. Patients with heart failure and ejection fraction <40% or other indications for β-blockers were excluded.

During median follow-up of 3 years the following outcomes were noted:

Incidence of the primary composite endpoint (i.e., death, MI, stroke, or hospitalizat…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Indefinite β-Blocker Therapy After Myocardial Infarction?

Topics

Reviewing Author