Beta blockers do not prevent a heart attack

New US study questions the effect of beta-blockers

31.10.2012

Beta blockers are used as standard therapy for high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. In particular, patients who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke, swallow the pills that have the effect of „stress hormone“ To inhibit adrenaline and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. According to a US study, however, neither the risk of heart attack nor stroke should be reduced by taking beta-blockers. The scientists of the School of Medicine of the University of New York could find no protective effect of the drugs at all.

Beta blockers do not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke
For around 40 years, beta-blockers have been widely used as a means of lowering high blood pressure. In addition, they should protect against heart attacks and strokes. As part of a US study proved the supposed „purpose weapon“ against coronary heart disease, however, as useless. Therefore, taking beta-blockers does not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The University of New York School of Medicine scientists studied 44,708 patients with heart problems over a 3-year period. „In this observational study of patients with either only known risk factors for coronary heart disease, previously experienced myocardial infarction or known coronary heart disease without myocardial infarction, the use of beta-blockers could not be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events“, it says in the „Journal of the American Medical Association“. The use of the drug therefore has no effect on the risk of heart attack or stroke. Even patients who had already suffered a heart attack, are not protected by the use of beta-blockers from a second heart attack, the scientists.

Beta-blockers often have strong side effects
As early as 2009, scientists questioned the use of beta-blockers for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). The drugs are less effective than long-term. Back then, advocates argued that the drugs may not be as effective as they are harmful. The side effects are low.

In medical circles, beta blockers are actually considered to be well tolerated. Nevertheless, there are recurring side effects that sufferers often find severely restrictive. These include dizziness, tiredness, depressive moods and erectile dysfunction. In addition, heart failure, asthma attacks, delayed onset of symptoms of hypoglycaemia, slowing of heart rate, and increased peripheral circulatory disorders may occur.

In addition to the treatment of hypertension beta blocker for coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, heart failure, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia, tremor diseases, hyperthyroidism, migraine, glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, anxiety and prevention of esophageal varices (bleeding from varicose veins in the esophagus) are used. (Ag)

Also read:
No antihypertensive in gout
Drug against racism

Image: Egon Häbich