Study published: The effect of beta-blocker therapy on quality of life of patients after an MI
In a study recently published in European Heart Journal Open, the researchers evaluate a study design to investigate the effect of beta-blocker therapy on quality of life of patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction (MI). The researchers found that the study was feasible.
(Image removed)
It is common in Sweden that patients that have experienced an MI are treated with beta-blockers. Many patients report that they experience negative side effects of beta-blockers, including symptoms of depression, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and a low mood, which impairs their quality of life. Despite the patients’ accounts, previous research indicates conflicting findings. The study aims to test a study design to investigate differences between the quality of life of MI patients treated with or without beta-blockers.
The study involved 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were randomised to be treated either with or without beta-blockers after the event. The researchers collected data on the patient’s quality of life, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction and if they experienced any side effects at three time-points, primarily through the U-CARE portal, an internet-based research platform.
The researchers found that the study design was suitable for investigating patients' quality of life and that the study as a whole is feasible.
Read the article ’Randomised evaluation of routine beta-blocker therapy after myocardial infarction Quality of Life (RQoL): Design and rationale of a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint study’. It is written by Sophia Humphries, Katarina Mars, Robin Hofmann, Claes Held, and Erik Olsson.