[Safety of β-blockers. Prejudices and reality].

β-blockers clearly prolong life in patients with heart failure and after myocardial infarction in all controlled prospective trials. Nevertheless, many colleagues and even more patients fear unwanted effects like low blood pressure, bradycardia, increased bronchial resistance, or erectile dysfunction. There are a limited number of serious side effects, which have to be recognized. In spite of these, we should encourage our patients, who profit from the beneficial actions of β-blockers, to take them regularly. Some controversial aspects of β-blocker therapy are discussed in the light of newer studies.