[Necrotic lesions, ischemia and reperfusion: effects of beta blockers]

The anti-ischemic properties of beta-blocking drugs have promoted their use during acute myocardial infarction. Beneficial effects are only observed with very early intravenous administration (less than 6 hours). Mortality is reduced by 14% and reinfarction by 18% during the 8 day post-infarction period. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation has been inconstantly decreased. Infarct size reduction is the most probable mechanism of beta-blockade induced protection. The thrombolytic-beta-blocker association seems to provide additional benefits compared with thrombolysis alone, but this remains to be demonstrated in large scale trials.