Post-myocardial infarction trials: beta blockers, antiarrhythmics, thrombolytics.

This paper reviews trials of postmyocardial infarction therapies including beta adrenergic blockers, antiarrhythmic agents other than amiodarone, and thrombolytic drugs. The results of certain beta blockers on overall cardiovascular mortality and sudden death mortality after myocardial infarction are discussed, along with the results of CAST and subgroup analyses on patients at high risk for death. The effects of thrombolysis during acute myocardial infarction on subsequent arrhythmic mortality are also reviewed.