(CBS) - For years Beta Blockers have been used to treat patients with heart disease, but a new study is raising questions about the drugs and whether they actually protect the heart.
The new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found Beta Blockers did not lower the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke.
Millions of patients use them after a heart attack and to treat symptoms including high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm.
Doctors say they need to see more research before they consider changing that practice.
“Personally, I will not change my practice as we know beta blockers are extremely useful in patients with heart failure, chest pain or angina,” said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum of Lenox Hill Hospital.
Beta Blockers do have side effects; they can affect cholesterol and trigger asthma attacks
