Could Common Heart Attack Drug Increase Death Risk in Some Women?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking study reveals that beta blockers, the standard post-heart attack treatment for decades, may not only be ineffective but also pose a higher death risk for some women. This pivotal finding could reshape clinical guidelines and change the way heart attack patients are treated. Read on to discover the implications of this study.
Key Takeaways
- Beta blockers may not benefit heart attack patients.
- Increased mortality risk observed in women.
- Study calls for a reevaluation of treatment guidelines.
- 8,505 patients participated in the international study.
- Side effects include fatigue and bradycardia.
New Delhi, Aug 30 (NationPress) Beta blockers, which have been the conventional treatment following a heart attack for over four decades, might not provide any advantages for heart attack survivors and could potentially increase mortality risk in certain women, as revealed by a study released on Saturday. This research has prompted a reconsideration of the established treatment protocols.
These medications are frequently prescribed for various heart-related issues, including heart attacks. The study indicates that they show no clinical advantages for individuals who have experienced an uncomplicated myocardial infarction with maintained heart function.
Presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid and concurrently published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the European Heart Journal, the findings revealed that women receiving beta blockers had a greater likelihood of death, heart attack, or hospitalization due to heart failure when compared to women who were not administered the drug.
In contrast, men did not exhibit this heightened risk.
“This research will transform all global clinical guidelines,” stated senior investigator Valentin Fuster, President of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital.
“Currently, over 80 percent of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction leave the hospital with a beta blocker prescription. These findings signify one of the most important developments in heart attack treatment in decades,” commented principal investigator Borja Ibáñez, Scientific Director at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Spain.
Although beta blockers are generally seen as safe, they can lead to side effects such as fatigue, bradycardia (a slow heart rate), and sexual dysfunction.
The international study involved 8,505 participants across 109 hospitals in Spain and Italy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive beta blockers or not after being discharged from the hospital. All patients received the standard care and were monitored for a median duration of nearly four years.
The results indicated no significant differences between the groups regarding rates of death, recurrent heart attacks, or hospitalizations for heart failure.
However, a subgroup analysis revealed that women treated with beta blockers faced more negative outcomes. It was found that women on beta blockers had a 2.7 percent higher absolute risk of mortality compared to those who did not receive the medication during the 3.7 years of follow-up.
Point of View
We prioritize presenting factual information that impacts public health. This recent study on beta blockers is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers, as it challenges long-standing treatment norms. We advocate for evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety and well-being.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are beta blockers?
Beta blockers are medications commonly prescribed for various heart conditions, including heart attacks. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart.
What did the study find about beta blockers?
The study found that beta blockers may not provide benefits for heart attack patients and could increase the risk of death for some women.
Who conducted the study?
The study was conducted by an international team of researchers and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.
How many patients were involved in the study?
The study enrolled 8,505 patients across 109 hospitals in Spain and Italy.
What are the side effects of beta blockers?
Common side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, low heart rate (bradycardia), and sexual dysfunction.
