Back and forth on beta blockers after heart attacks

Beta blockers, which can slow down the heart rate, are often prescribed after a heart attack.

But recent studies have painted a conflicting picture of how effective these drugs are in reducing heart problems in this scenario.

While these studies have complicated the story, experts are cautioning people not to act without checking in with their doctors.

Guest/s

• Professor Jason Kovacic, director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and cardiologist at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney

References

• β blockers after myocardial infarction with mildly reduced ejection fraction: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
• Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction in Patients without Heart Failure
• Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction without Reduced Ejection Fraction