HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Identification of patients who do not require beta antagonists after myocardial infarction.

Abstract
Recent results obtained from large clinical trials demonstrate that long-term administration of beta-adrenergic antagonists to patients following myocardial infarction reduces the incidence of death for as long as two years. Therefore, it has been recommended that, in the absence of contraindications, all patients be given beta antagonists after infarction. A review of the literature regarding prognosis after infarction demonstrates that patients who have had only one infarction and who have good ventricular function, no complex ectopy, no angina, and negative results of stress testing have a mortality rate no greater than 0.6 percent per year. For a person in this category, the probability that beta blockade will preclude death is exceedingly low (approximately 1 in 700). Both the commonly described side effects, as well as the recent observation that beta-adrenergic antagonists lower the concentration of serum high-density lipoproteins, potentially reducing the protection against atherosclerosis thought to be conferred by high-density lipoproteins, suggest that it may be unwise to use beta antagonists in patients who have a very low probability of benefit.
AuthorsG G Ahumada
JournalThe American journal of medicine (Am J Med) Vol. 76 Issue 5 Pg. 900-4 (May 1984) ISSN: 0002-9343 [Print] United States
PMID6144270 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
Topics
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (therapeutic use)
  • Angina Pectoris (complications)
  • Electrocardiography
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, HDL (blood)
  • Myocardial Infarction (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
  • Prognosis
  • Risk

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: