Key result
28 of 33 classically-described side-effects were not significantly more common on beta-blockers than placebo in heart failure, with depression reduced by 35% (p<0.01) and insomnia by 27% (p=0.01).
Why the study?
Do beta-blockers cause genuine side-effects compared to placebo in patients with heart failure?
Population
Patients with heart failure included in double-blinded randomized trials reporting side-effects
Comparison
Beta-blockers vs Placebo
Design
Systematic_review, double-blinded
Authors
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Reassures on beta-blocker tolerability in HF; challenges attribution of most listed side-effects to the drug.
Systematic Review
Do beta-blockers cause genuine side-effects compared to placebo in patients with heart failure?
Most classically described side-effects of beta-blockers in heart failure are not significantly more common than with placebo, suggesting many reported symptoms are non-pharmacological.
Barron et al. (2013) conducted a systematic review in heart failure. beta-blockers vs. placebo was evaluated on proportion of symptoms non-pharmacological. 28 of 33 classically-described side-effects were not significantly more common on beta-blockers than placebo in heart failure, with depression reduced by 35% (p<0.01) and insomnia by 27% (p=0.01).
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