• V Piriou, A Aouifi, and J J Lehot.
• Service d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Hôpital CArdiovasculaire & Pneumologique L. Pradel, Lyon, France.
• Can J Anaesth. 2000 Jul 1;47(7):664-72.

PurposeTo review the pharmacologic and pathophysiologic information necessary to prescribe beta-blockers (BB) in perioperative medicine.Data SourceManual retrieval and electronic research of the literature using MEDLINE (key-words: anesthesia and beta- blocker; surgery and beta-blocker).Data SynthesisIn non cardiac surgery, the beneficial effects of BB have been demonstrated in hypertensive patients since 1979. In 1996, the beneficial effects of atenolol in patients with coronary artery disease (reduction of postoperative myocardial ischemia and overall reduction in two-year mortality) were demonstrated. In coronary surgery, the interest of preoperative BB treatment has been shown since 1983. Administration of BB has been shown to be beneficial in acute myocardial infarction or chronic cardiac failure (except in NYHA class IV patients).ConclusionBB have been shown to exert a beneficial effect on postoperative outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors, and their more widespread use in perioperative medicine is encouraged.

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