Beta-blockers do not affect patients' quality of life
Long-term use of beta-blockers in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved heart function does not significantly change quality of life or well-being compared to no beta-blockers. This according to a study from Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University, presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in London and simultaneously published in the European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy.
Earlier this year, the REDUCE-AMI study was published, showing that beta-blockers do not reduce the risk of death or new cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved heart function. Now, in a sub-study, researchers have examined beta-blockers effect on quality of life in this patient group to better evaluate the risk-benefit ratio.
Beta-blockers are described in the literature as a medication that may potentially cause side effects, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. There are theories that fear of side effects has led patients to voluntarily stop taking the medication. At the same time, one could imagine that beta-blockers may have a beneficial effect by providing a slower heart rate and reduced adrenaline response. Since this could potentially affect patients' quality of life and well-being, a sub-study was conducted to better assess this risk.
“Previous observational studies have shown various undesirable effects of beta-blockers on quality of life, but the findings were uncertain. This is the first randomized study to show that there is no increased risk of impact on quality of life or well-being,” says the study’s first author Katarina Mars, PhD student at the Department of Clinical science and education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, and cardiologist at Södersjukhuset.
“The results of these two studies raise the question of whether this patient group should routinely be prescribed beta-blockers in the future. However, if patients for any reason need the medication or are already on it, there is no need to worry that the drug will negatively affect their quality of life.”
In total, over 4,000 patients responded to surveys aimed at evaluating quality of life. Additionally, eight centers in Sweden collected more specific surveys from around 800 patients to assess well-being, as well as depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. The results of all the surveys are not yet fully complete.
The study was presented by Robin Hofmann, docent at the Department of Clinical science and education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, and cardiologist at Södersjukhuset and one of the leading investigators of the REDUCE-AMI study.
“I was honored to present our results at a main session (late-breaking clinical trial). There was a great interest and engagement from colleagues from all over the world, as beta-blockers have historically been part of the treatment for all patients after a heart attack,” says Robin Hofmann.
Publication
"Effects of Beta-Blockers on Quality of Life and Well-being in Patients with Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Left Ventricular Function - a prespecified substudy from REDUCE-AMI", Katarina Mars, Sophia Humphries, Philip Leissner, Martin Jonsson, Patric Karlström, Jörg Lauermann, Joakim Alfredsson, Thomas Kellerth, Annica Ravn-Fischer, David Erlinge, Bertil Lindahl, Troels Yndigegn, Tomas Jernberg, Claes Held, Erik M.G. Olsson, and Robin Hofmann, European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, online 1 september 2024, doi: org/10.1093/ehjcvp/pvae062