Beta Blockers 'Killing Patients'

Research uncovers dire effects of pre-surgery drug
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted May 13, 2008 3:29 AM CDT
Beta Blockers 'Killing Patients'
A new study says beta blockers given to patients prior to surgery to prevent heart complications can cause strokes and even death.   (KRT Photos)

Beta blockers routinely given to patients before surgery do far more harm than good, with patients 35% more likely to die within a month than those given a dummy pill, according to a study reported in the Lancet.  While the blood pressure drugs did cut the number of heart complications, the risk of stroke doubled, researchers discovered.

"There is a real potential that beta blockers are causing serious harm in the surgical setting," said the lead scientist. "If my mother was undergoing surgery and given a beta blocker, I would be extremely upset based on this evidence." (More beta blockers stories.)

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