Interv Akut Kardiol. 2004;3(4):189-191

BETA-BLOCKERS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Stanislav Janoušek

Interní kardiologická klinika FN a LF MU v Brně

Beta-blockers use is an essential part of modern treatment of acute myocardial infarction nowadays either in acute phase or in secondary prevention, which is supported by a great number of clinical studies. Contraindications are only hypertension, bradycardia, acute heart failure, bronchial asthma and advanced obstructive bronchopulmonary disease. Especially patients with extensive myocardial infarctions have the greatest benefit of such treatment. In spite of this positive effect, the administration of beta-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction is not fully utilized. The efforts is to initiate the treatment in as early phase of condition as possible, when the size of myocardial necrosis can be significantly limited. This procedure is further supported by growing evidence for prognostic benefit of intravenous administration of beta-blockers in AMI before an acute intervention.

Keywords: acute myocardial infarction, beta-blockers, secondary prevention, intravenous administration, reperfusion treatment, primary angioplasty, prehospital treatment.

Published: December 31, 2004  Show citation