Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 30: A landmark international study has shaken the foundations of decades-old heart attack treatment guidelines, revealing that beta blockers – long considered a mainstay therapy after heart attacks – may not offer benefits to many patients, and could increase death risk in some women.
The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the European Heart Journal, suggests a critical reevaluation of current clinical protocols.
?? Key Findings:
• No clinical benefit was observed from beta blockers in patients with uncomplicated heart attacks and preserved heart function.
• Women treated with beta blockers showed a 2.7% higher risk of death, heart attack, or heart failure hospitalisation over 3.7 years.
• Men did not experience the same increased risk.
• No significant difference in overall outcomes (death, reinfarction, or heart failure hospitalisation) was observed between patients who took beta blockers and those who didn’t.
“This will reshape all international clinical guidelines,” said Dr. Valentin Fuster, President of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, calling the results one of the most significant advances in cardiac care in decades.
?? About the Study:
• Conducted in 109 hospitals across Spain and Italy
• Included 8,505 patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction
• Patients were randomly assigned to receive or not receive beta blockers post-discharge
• Follow-up duration: Median of 3.7 years
?? Side Effects of Beta Blockers:
Though generally safe, beta blockers are known to cause:
• Fatigue
• Bradycardia (abnormally low heart rate)
• Sexual dysfunction
“More than 80% of patients with uncomplicated heart attacks are currently discharged on beta blockers. These findings challenge that practice,” said Dr. Borja Ibáñez, principal investigator and Scientific Director at CNIC, Spain.
?? What This Means:
The findings suggest that routine beta blocker use after heart attacks may need to be individualised, especially for female patients. Experts believe the results could prompt an overhaul of international heart treatment guidelines and lead to more personalised care strategies.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the need to move away from one-size-fits-all approaches in post-heart attack treatment — especially as new data reveals potentially life-threatening outcomes for women. Medical practitioners worldwide are now expected to reexamine beta blocker prescriptions in light of these groundbreaking results.