When a person suffers a heart attack, they are often prescribed medication to protect the heart going forward. One of the most commonly used types is beta-blockers.
These medications lower heart rate and blood pressure and have for many years been a standard treatment to reduce the risk of new cardiac events.
Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and treatment is therefore highly important, according to Medical News Today.
New research data
A new study from South Korea, presented by the American College of Cardiology and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, followed more than 2,500 patients who had experienced a heart attack but were otherwise stable.
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All participants had taken beta-blockers for at least one year. After that, some discontinued the medication, while others continued treatment.
After just over three years, there were no more serious events among those who stopped than among those who continued.
Clinical considerations
The research suggests that not all patients need to take beta-blockers for the rest of their lives.
For some, discontinuation may be beneficial, as the medication can cause side effects such as fatigue and dizziness.
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However, this does not mean that everyone should stop. The decision must be made in consultation with a physician.
Stable patients without other heart conditions may be able to discontinue treatment after one year.
Sources: Medical News Today and The New England Journal of Medicine.
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