Future possibilities for conducting clinical trials to test the efficacy of beta-blocker medications

Beta-blocker therapy apparently is important in the short- and long-term care of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). In the former, administration may reduce MI size, and in the latter, it promotes a statistically significant reduction in mortality. Since beta blockers exert a number of effects, it is still not known how the specific beneficial effects are mediated. Nevertheless, there is still a need to examine the effects of beta blockers, either singly or combined with other medications, on patients recovering from acute MI and as a late intervention. Specific attention must be directed to the older patient, those with moderate myocardial dysfunction, and those with life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. Each of these problems must be addressed by a well-designed, randomized clinical trial to ensure the best possible study design and the most accurate scientific outcome.