uses
Last reviewed 01/2018
The indications for beta-blockers include:
- reduction of myocardial oxygen demand in coronary artery disease
- control of hypertension
- control of certain arrhythmias: involving the atrio-ventricular node
- the use of beta-blockers after a myocardial infarction is known to lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality
- in heart failure:
- the use of beta-blockers in heart failure should be left to the experienced
- there are two classical indications for the use of beta-blockers in heart failure: heart failure associated with thyrotoxicosis and failure due to poor ventricular filling in diastole
- in the symptomatic treatment of sympathetic overactivity due to hyperthyroidism whilst waiting for antithyroid drugs to take effect (10-20 days) or when the hyperthyroidism is self-limiting e.g. subacute thyroiditis
beta blockers in myocardial infarction
beta blockers in cardiac failure