Research article summary (published 30 Aug 1991):

Beta-adrenergic blocker therapy does not worsen intermittent claudication in subjects with peripheral arterial disease. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Full Abstract

Beta-Adrenergic blockers have been considered relatively contraindicated in peripheral arterial disease because of the perceived risk that these drugs could worsen intermittent claudication. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials from the English-language literature to determine whether or not beta-blockers exacerbate intermittent claudication. The primary focus of this analysis was the effect of beta-blockers on exercise duration, measured as walking capacity or endurance time. Outcomes were pooled where appropriate. Of 11 eligible reports, six included 11 individual controlled treatment comparisons that provided data for an analysis of pain-free exercise capacity; no effect size was statistically significant. The pooled effect size for pain-free walking distance was -0.24 (95% confidence interval, -0.62 to 0.14), indicating no significant impairment of walking capacity compared with placebo. Only one study reported that certain beta-blockers were associated with worsening of intermittent claudication. These results strongly suggest that beta-blockers do not adversely affect walking capacity or symptoms of intermittent claudication in patients with mild to moderate peripheral arterial disease. In the absence of other contraindications, beta-blockers can probably be used safely in such patients.

Author information

Author/s: Radack, K (K); Deck, C (C);

Affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinati, College of Medicine, Ohio.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Meta-Analysis

Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1991-Sep; vol 151 (issue 9) : pp 1769-76

Dates: Created 1991/10/04; Completed 1991/10/04; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 1679624, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Arch Intern Med. 1991 Sep;151(9):1705-7. (PMID: 1679623)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists - contraindications; therapeutic use Exercise Exercise Test Humans Intermittent Claudication - chemically induced; physiopathology Leg - blood supply

Leg - blood supply Meta-Analysis as Topic Middle Aged Physical Endurance - drug effects Regional Blood Flow - drug effects Walking

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (0)

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