start beta-blockers earlier before surgery

December 2009

New guidelines say to start beta-blockers earlier before surgery.

Beta-blockers are often given before some noncardiac surgeries to high-risk patients. These are often patients with ischemia on pre-op tests...cardiovascular disease...or multiple risk factors.

But it can be harmful to start a HIGH-dose beta-blocker on the day of surgery. Blood pressure and heart rate can fall too much...and lead to more strokes and death.

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start beta-blockers earlier before surgery

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