Perioperative use of beta-blockers in noncardiac surgery
Cruz Pardos, P.; Fernańdez Riveira, C.; Garutti, I.
Revista Espanola de Anestesiologia y Reanimacion 52(10): 617
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9356 PMID: 16435617 Document Number: 594603
A variety of strategies have been used to reduce the high prevalence and mortality rates of cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. One approach taken is to prescribe agents that block beta-adrenergic receptors. The effect of beta-blockers on myocardial ischemia is multifactorial: they correct myocardial oxygen imbalance, prevent rupture of atheromatous plaque, and reduce coronary vasoconstriction. We summarize the results of several recently published studies that confirm the beneficial effects and the low incidence of side effects.