[Secondary prophylaxis with beta blockers after myocardial infarction]

By the mid 1960s a beneficial effect of post-myocardial infarction treatment with beta blockers had been proposed. However, it was not until 1981 that large, randomized, clinical trials demonstrated a beneficial effect both in terms of reduction in mortality and morbidity. Today treatment with beta blockers in the stable postmyocardial infarction period is well established. In this review article different aspects of post-myocardyal infarction period treatment with beta blockers are discussed. In post-myocardial infarction treatment it is clear that both mortality and morbidity are reduced. Taking into account the present knowledge, it seems reasonable to continue beta adrenoceptor blockade in postinfarction patients as long as no contraindications or disturbing side effects occur.