Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
08:17
Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
Cardioselective beta-blockers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis
S R Salpeter1, T M Ormiston, E E Salpeter
1Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA. salpeter@stanford.edu
Respiratory Medicine
|October 17, 2003
Summary
Cardioselective beta-blockers do not worsen respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These medications can be safely considered for COPD patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-blocker therapy offers mortality benefits in cardiovascular diseases and perioperative settings.
- Traditionally, beta-blockers were contraindicated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of cardioselective beta-blockers on respiratory function in patients diagnosed with COPD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, blinded, controlled trials.
- Searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases (1966-2001).
- Included studies measuring forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- Cardioselective beta-blockers did not significantly alter FEV1 or respiratory symptoms compared to placebo in single or continued doses.
- No significant impact on FEV1 response to beta2-agonists was observed.
- Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in severe or reversible airway obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Cardioselective beta-blockers do not impair airway function or increase COPD exacerbations.
- Consider cardioselective beta-blockers for COPD patients with comorbid heart failure, coronary artery disease, or hypertension due to their cardiovascular benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers
β-adrenergic antagonists, or β-blockers, modulate the sympathetic nervous system by targeting β-adrenoceptors and inhibiting catecholamine-mediated sympathetic responses. β-blockers differ in their adrenoceptor subtype affinity, lipophilicity, and α-blocking capabilities. The history of β-blocker development began with the prototype, dichloroisoprenaline, which exhibited partial agonist activity. As a result, propranolol was developed as a pure antagonist but nonselective agent, paving the way...
01:27Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...
01:28Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
β receptors are classified into three subclasses: β1, β2, and β3. β1 receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. When they get activated, they increase heart rate, contractility, and renin release. This process enhances blood pressure and aids in stress management. In contrast, β2 receptors are situated mainly in the lungs, blood vessels, and skeletal muscles. Upon activation, they trigger smooth muscle relaxation, causing bronchodilation and vasodilation. This widens airways and...
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.