Beta-adrenergic blockade following thrombolytic therapy: is it helpful or harmful?

Beta-adrenergic blockade has been a mainstay in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction for nearly two decades. Clearly, it has withstood the test of time. The emergence of thrombolytic therapy, however, has shifted the medical community's focus, raising questions as to the benefit of beta-adrenergic blockade. Although further investigation is warranted, the available evidence suggests that beta blockers can be given safely to selected patients following coronary thrombolysis, particularly in the absence of moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction.