The New England Journal of MedicineBeta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Reevaluating Beta-Blocker Therapy Post-Myocardial Infarction: Insights into Contemporary Management and Patient Outcomes

In a recent trial examining the efficacy of beta-blocker treatment following myocardial infarction with preserved ejection fraction, researchers sought to address the ongoing debate surrounding the benefits of this therapy in the context of modern cardiovascular management. By comparing outcomes between patients receiving beta-blockers and those without, the study sheds light on a critical aspect of post-MI care, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making.

Key Points:

• A randomized trial including 5,020 patients with acute myocardial infarction and preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) found no significant difference in the composite primary endpoint of death from any cause or new myocardial infarction between those treated with long-term beta-blockers (metoprolol or bisoprolol) and those without beta-blocker treatment.
• Over a median follow-up of 3.5 years, primary endpoint events occurred in 7.9% of patients in the beta-blocker group compared to 8.3% in the no–beta-blocker group, with a hazard ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 1.16; P=0.64).
• Secondary endpoint analysis revealed no significant differences in the incidence of death from any cause, death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for atrial fibrillation, or hospitalization for heart failure between the beta-blocker and no–beta-blocker groups.
• Safety endpoints, including hospitalization for bradycardia, atrioventricular block, hypotension, syncope, or pacemaker implantation, showed similar rates between the two groups.
• Hospitalization rates for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke were comparable between patients receiving beta-blockers and those without beta-blocker treatment.

HCN Medical Memo
These findings challenge the conventional wisdom regarding the universal benefit of beta-blocker therapy post-myocardial infarction in patients with preserved ejection fraction and underscore the importance of reevaluating treatment strategies in light of contemporary management approaches.

More on Beta-Blockers