Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
9
pubmed:dateCreated
1987-12-15
pubmed:abstractText
Epidemiologic and experimental data are reviewed to determine whether treatment with beta-adrenergic blocking agents ('beta blockers') is likely to be antiatherogenic. Both indirect and direct evidence are considered. Indirect evidence is derived from studies of the effects of beta blockers on the risk factors for atherosclerosis, or on the disease sequelae of atherosclerosis. Direct evidence refers to studies in which atherosclerosis is an endpoint. Regarding indirect evidence, the data generally are consistent with a retarding or neutral effect of beta blockers on atherosclerosis. For example stroke incidence is reduced when hypertension is treated with beta blockers. About half of these same studies also show a reduction in the incidence of myocardial infarction, a complication that may be more closely related to atherosclerosis extent and severity than is stroke, which can have a nonatherosclerosis origin. The most important potential negative effect of beta blockers occurs with respect to serum lipid concentrations. However, there is no evidence that atherosclerosis is worsened as a result of pharmacologically induced alterations of serum lipids. The direct evidence more clearly indicates a retarding effect of beta blockers on atherosclerosis, with 11 of 13 studies having outcomes in this direction. However, interpretation of these studies is complicated by the fact that all of the data are derived from animal models, some of which are not similar to human beings in the development of atherosclerosis. Also, the studies are diverse, not only in the research designs and species utilized, but also in the type of beta blocker employed, the degree of beta blockade achieved, and the anatomic location of lesions. In summary, the data suggest that treatment with beta blockers may retard atherosclerosis. A more definitive answer requires efforts in two directions: (a) studies on atherosclerosis in selected populations of human beings, using cineangiography or autopsy material; and (b) additional, well-controlled studies in appropriate animal models.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0195-668X
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
8
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
928-44
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1987
pubmed:articleTitle
The effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents on atherosclerosis and its complications.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Comparative Medicine, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review