Can Beta Blockers Be Safely Used in Patients with Recent Myocardial Infarction Who Also Have Congestive Heart Failure?

The indications for, and the contraindications to, therapy with β-adrenoceptor drugs in acute myocardial infarction are still unclear. Earlier fears have been largely dispelled and these agents can probably be prescribed with comparative safety in affected patients without hypotension or evidence of cardiac failure. If, however, there is reason to suspect a raised end-diastolic pressure or a low cardiac output, they should only be used if the indications are strong and if careful hemodynamic monitoring is observed.