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DO BETA-BLOCKERS WORSEN INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION.

Beta-blockers are considered to be relatively contraindicated in patients with peripheral arterial disease because of anecdotal evidence that these drugs worsen intermittent claudication. This meta-analysis suggests that beta-blockers are in fact reasonably safe in such patients.

The authors identified 11 randomized controlled trials, including 10 crossover studies, that examined the effect of beta-blockers on claudication and leg exercise in a total of 127 patients. Beta-blockers did not appear to worsen claudication in 10 of the 11 studies. Pooled analyses suggested that walking capacity and exercise duration on a treadmill or bicycle were not significantly impaired when patients took beta-blockers.

Because patients with claudication frequently need beta- blockers for other conditions such as hypertension or coronary disease, the conclusion of this meta-analysis is of great clinical importance. However, these results do not rule out the possibility that beta-blockers may aggravate claudication in some individuals.

— ASB

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine September 24, 1991

Citation(s):

Radack K; Deck C. Beta-adrenergic blocker therapy does not worsen intermittent claudication in subjects with peripheral arterial disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med 1991 Sep 151 1769-1776.

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