ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Pneumologica 2014 December;53(4):167-74

Copyright © 2014 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Adrenergic beta-antagonists (beta-blockers) in COPD patients

Novotna B., Koblizek V., Sedlak V., Salajka F.

Department of Pneumology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague and Faculty Teaching Hospital, University Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious condition, which leads to decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and is a frequent cause of mortality. Frequently, patients diagnosed with COPD suffer from other comorbidities, the most prevalent being cardiovascular and neurological. Adrenergic beta-antagonists or beta-blockers (BBs) represent a group of drugs that are being used mainly in patients with various cardio-vascular diseases. As cardiovascular commorbidities are common in patients treated for COPD, the main effect of BBs in respiratory system related to vasoconstriction constitutes a concern for the safety of their use in COPD patients. This article reviews current published data on effects of BBs in COPD patients with concomitant heart condition and observed benefits and potential adverse effects of BBs in these patients.