Beta-blockers in patients following AMI and in the course of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias.

The beta-blockers are complex and pharmacological heterogonous group of drugs. Recently some new preparations being characterized by prolonged time of hipotensive activity and metabolic neutrality, have been introduced to clinical practice. Some of them demonstrate direct vasodilating activity, others show beneficial influence on endothelium function and antioxidative characteristics. β-blockers differ with the degree of sympathicomimetic activity, ant their characteristics are determined by fat dissolubility, what influences on biological availability, concentration in serum and ability of penetration to central nervous system. Currently the drugs occupy established position in the therapy of hypertension, heart failure, they play also very important part in patients following acute myocardial infraction (AMI) and in the prevention and treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. (Clin. Exp. Med. Lett. 2006; 47(2):73-77)

Keywords: beta-blockers, Hypertension, Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias