Title:Beta Blockers and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Sum of Evidence

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 3

Author(s):Katerina Baou*, Vasiliki Katsi, Thomas Makris and Dimitris Tousoulis

Affiliation:First Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, Sismanogliou 1, Marousi, First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, Athens, Department of Cardiology, Helena Venizelou Hospital, Helenas Venizelou 2 Square, Ampelokipi, First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, Athens

Keywords:Beta-blockers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbations COPD, exacerbations cardiovascular disease, heart failure, lung function.

Abstract:Approximately half a century has passed since the discovery of beta-blockers. Then, their prime therapeutic purpose was to treat angina and cardiac arrhythmias; nowadays, beta-blockers’ usage and effectiveness are extended to treat other cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Safety concerns were raised about beta- blockers and their use for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with concurrent cardiovascular disease. After thorough research of the literature, this review summarizes the evidence proving that beta-blockers not only might be well tolerated in COPD patients, but they might also have a beneficial effect in this group of patients.