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The post-myocardial infarction patient with hypertension. Long-term outcome
1Cardiology Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boston.
Insights
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can help prevent reinfarction and sudden death in patients after myocardial infarction (MI), especially those with hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy increase risks of reinfarction and sudden death post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- These risk factors are modifiable through pharmacotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the complementary use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers for secondary prevention after acute MI.
- Focus on patients with coexisting hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacotherapy for secondary prevention post-MI.
- Focus on beta blockers and selected calcium channel blockers.
Main Results:
- Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers offer complementary benefits.
- Effective in reducing risks in post-MI patients with hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Combined use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers is a valuable strategy for secondary prevention post-MI.
- Particularly beneficial for hypertensive patients post-MI.
Abstract:
Hypertension increases the risk of reinfarction and sudden death in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. The same s true of coexisting left ventricular hypertrophy. Fortunately, these two risk factors may be modified by pharmacotherapy. In this article, Dr Boden describes the complementary use of beta blockers and selected calcium channel blockers for secondary prevention after acute MI, particularly in the subset of patients who also have hypertension.