In patients at risk of cardiovascular complications in a variety of medical conditions, beta-blockers have shown to reduce that risk. Studies show that patients with a history of myocardial infarction who have had beta-blocker therapy initiated and continued, have a 20 to 30% reduction in subsequent coronary events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality (Yusuf, 1985). In a meta analysis by McGory? et al (2005), long-term cardiac mortality and myocardial ischemia were reduced significantly by perioperative beta blockade. Patients maintained on beta-blockers, without complications that might warrant discontinuation, are good candidates for continuation of beta-blockers through the perioperative period.

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• JAMA: Archives of Surgery - article
• American Hospital Association

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