β-Blockers in coronary artery disease management

Beta-blockers are a multiform group of drugs with multiple applications in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Their adverse actions are multiple and relate mainly to the beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. They are used to treat all forms of coronary disease, but especially in acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndromes. The administration to patients with coronary artery disease resulted in increased survival and improved QoL of these patients and therefore they are a key group of drugs for their management. However, because of side effects, they should be used with caution, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients. Therefore, the choice of the appropriate beta-blocker for each patient will result in the best possible results with fewer side effects. Hippokratia 2010; 14 (4): 231-235