ISIS-1 trial

Last reviewed 01/2018

16027 patients entering 245 coronary care units at a mean of 5 hr after onset of the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction were randomised to:

  • atenolol:
    • 5-10 mg i.v. immediately
    • 100 mg p.o. per day for 7 days

  • standard treatment

Overall vascular mortality was significantly lower in the atenolol group at 1 yr:

  • 10.7% in the atenolol group vs. 12.0% in the control group (2p <0.01)

Immediate beta-blockade may reduce mortality in the first week post-MI by 15%.

For 200 patients treated with beta-blockers there will be:

  • 1 less death
  • 1 less arrest
  • 1 less reinfarction

Reference:

  • Randomised trial of intravenous atenolol among 16027 cases of suspected acute myocardial infarction: ISIS-1. (1986). Lancet, 2, 57-66.