Key Takeaways
Beta-blockers may not reduce the risk of death or repeat heart attacks for patients with preserved heart function.
Women may face higher risks from beta-blockers.
Long-term use can cause side effects like sleep problems, fatigue, and withdrawal risks if stopped abruptly.
Beta-blockers have long been prescribed to lower blood pressure and help with recovery after a heart attack, but new research shows they may not always offer benefits—and could even pose risks for some people.
Beta-Blockers May Not Help All Heart Attack Patients
After a heart attack, many people take beta-blockers long-term to lower the risk of another heart attack or death.
This medication blocks the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to receptors in the heart and blood vessel