Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu

Contents
  • How Beta Blockers Work
  • When to Use Beta Blockers
  • The POISE Study Insights

Beta Blockers: A Double-Edged Sword Before Surgery?

Beta Blockers: A Double-Edged Sword Before Surgery?

The Big Picture

Beta blockers can be both helpful and risky when taken before surgery. Let's dive into how they work and what to consider if you're facing surgery.
Contents
  • How Beta Blockers Work
  • When to Use Beta Blockers
  • The POISE Study Insights

How Beta Blockers Work

Beta blockers are medications that help slow down the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. They're often used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. During surgery, they can help manage stress on the heart, but starting them too close to surgery might cause issues like low blood pressure.

When to Use Beta Blockers

Doctors typically continue beta blockers if patients are already on them for conditions like heart failure. However, starting them right before surgery is usually avoided due to risks of stroke and death. Timing is crucial, and it's best to have these medications well-established before any major surgery.
Beta blockers are medications used to manage heart rate and blood pressure, particularly during surgery. They are beneficial but require careful timing to avoid risks.

The POISE Study Insights

The POISE study highlighted the dangers of starting beta blockers just before surgery, noting increased risks of stroke. It suggested that while these drugs can prevent heart attacks, they may also lead to severe hypotension. The study emphasizes the importance of cautious dosing and monitoring.

FAQs

What do beta blockers do?

They slow down the heart to ease blood pumping.

Are beta blockers safe before surgery?

They're risky if started too close to surgery.

What did the POISE study reveal?

It showed increased stroke risks with beta blockers before surgery.

The Bottom Line

Beta blockers require careful timing and management before surgery.
Consult Doctronic to see if beta blockers are right for your surgery journey!
Additional References
  1. POISE Study Group, Devereaux PJ, Yang H, et al. Effects of extended-release metoprolol succinate in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (POISE trial).
  2. Bouri S, Shun-Shin MJ, Cole GD, et al. Meta-analysis of secure randomised controlled trials of β-blockade to prevent perioperative death in non-cardiac surgery.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.