Beta-adrenergic blockers as cardioprotective agents.

The evidence supporting and describing cardioprotective effects of beta-adrenergic blocker treatment is surveyed. Details of the many studies that individually and collectively document the ability of long-term and acute beta-blocker therapy to reduce overall mortality, sudden cardiovascular death, and nonfatal reinfarction in patients surviving or experiencing a myocardial infarction are described. A discussion of the mechanisms by which beta blockers probably and theoretically achieve these benefits includes the suggestion that they may reduce plaque rupture, thus indirectly inhibiting thrombosis. It is also suggested that, in the future, further cardioprotective benefits may accrue to the use of beta blockers in conjunction with thrombolysis and of beta blockers with a duration of action sustained throughout a full 24 hours.