Pol. Merkur. Lek (Pol. Med. J.), 2012, XXXIII/198: 338-341

SUMMARY IN POLISH & ENGLISH. FULL ARTICLE ONLY IN POLISH.

Beta-blockers usage in cardio-vascular diseases co-existing with COPD

Walczak D.1, Kowal A.2, Jankowska R.2

1Vojevod Hospital Center of Jelenia Gora Valey; 2Department of Pulmonology and Lung Cancer, Medical University of Wrocław, Poland

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most freequent chronic diseases. Slightly reversable and progresive decrease in airflow through the airways is characteristic for the disease. It has been brought up last years that COPD course influences not only pulmonary system status but also many co-existing diseases in the eldery, especially cardio-vascular diseases, such as: ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, heart arrythmias, heart infarction. Wide usage and established position in the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases have the antagonists of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-blockers).
The aim of this work was the combination of the studies results quoted in the literature about the usage of beta-blockers in cardiovascular diseases co-existing with COPD.
Conclusions. Nowadays there are no unambiguous recommendations for the usage of beta-blocker in patients with COPD and the decision about including them into treatment depends on the individually estimated risk of complications.

Key words: beta-blockers, COPD, cardio-vascular diseases

Pol. Merk. Lek., 2012, XXXIII, 198, 338