Beta-Blocker Use May Slow Coronary Disease Progression

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Jul 02 - A pooled analysis of data from intravascular ultrasound trials suggests that treatment with beta-blockers can slow the progression of coronary artery disease.

Previous reports have shown that beta-blocker therapy can reduce the risk of recurrent MI and cut mortality in patients with a prior MI. However, it was unclear if these benefits were due to a slowing of coronary atherosclerosis progression.

The present pooled analysis included data from four studies (REVERSAL, CAMELOT IVUS, ACTIVATE, AND ASTEROID) with a total of 1515 patients with coronary artery disease, including 1154 who used beta-blockers. Compared with other patients, beta-blockers users were more likely to have a history of MI, angina, and hypertension.

Beta-blocker use appears to reduce the annual change in atheroma volume, senior author Dr. Steven E. Nissen, from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and colleagues note. In fact, a drop in atheroma volume was seen in beta-blocker users compared with no significant change in non-users.

The findings held true even after accounting for LDL cholesterol levels and concomitant medications, the authors note in the Annals of Internal Medicine for July 3.

"Our findings provide additional mechanistic insight into the favorable effects of beta-blockers and support the current guidelines recommending the long-term use of beta-blockers in patients with most forms of coronary artery disease," the researchers conclude.

Ann Intern Med 2007;147:10-18.

Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/559208?src=mp