OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and cardiovascular benefits of beta-blocker therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-February 2003). Key search terms included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and adrenergic beta-antagonists. DATA SYNTHESIS: beta-Blockers are often avoided in patients with COPD because of fear of bronchoconstriction, despite the known cardiovascular mortality benefits. A review of studies evaluating the use of beta-blockers in COPD was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: The literature supports the safety and mortality benefits of using beta-blockers in COPD. Patients with mild to moderate COPD should receive cardioselective beta-blocker therapy when a strong indication exists.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and cardiovascular benefits of beta-blocker therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-February 2003). Key search terms included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and adrenergic beta-antagonists. DATA SYNTHESIS: beta-Blockers are often avoided in patients with COPD because of fear of bronchoconstriction, despite the known cardiovascular mortality benefits. A review of studies evaluating the use of beta-blockers in COPD was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: The literature supports the safety and mortality benefits of using beta-blockers in COPD. Patients with mild to moderate COPD should receive cardioselective beta-blocker therapy when a strong indication exists.
Authors: Robert M Reed; Michael Eberlein; Reda E Girgis; Salman Hashmi; Aldo Iacono; Steven Jones; Giora Netzer; Steven Scharf Journal: Am J Med Date: 2012-09-06 Impact factor: 4.965