whether a beta-blocker should be started before noncardiac surgery
January 2008
Experts are debating whether a beta-blocker should be started before noncardiac surgery.
Recent American Heart Assoc guidelines recommend starting beta-blockers before surgery in high-risk patients...to reduce the risk of heart attack and death.
But now a large study using extended-release metoprolol succinate shows a LOWER risk of heart attack...but HIGHER risk of stroke and death.
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