Consider Starting a Beta-Blocker for Surgery in High-Risk Patients

October 2014

New Am College of Cardiology and Am Heart Assn guidelines will clarify when to use beta-blockers for noncardiac surgery.

Beta-blockers reduce nonfatal MI risk in high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery...probably by decreasing cardiac workload.

But this benefit can come at a cost...bradycardia, hypotension, and possibly a higher risk of stroke and death.

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Table of Contents

Hypertension Use Three "Core" Meds for Resistant Hypertension
Opioids Alert Patients About Changes to Their Hydrocodone Combo Rxs
Rheumatoid Arthritis Recommend Folic Acid for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Methotrexate
Diabetes Advise Taking "Flozins" in the Morning
Respiratory & Allergy Save Xolair as a Last Resort for Chronic Hives
Antithrombotics Switch to Aspirin Alone After a Year for Most Stent Patients
Supplements Watch for Adverse Effects When Combining Garcinia cambogia and Serotonergic Meds
Women's Health Avoid Topical NSAIDs During Pregnancy
Cardiology Consider Starting a Beta-Blocker for Surgery in High-Risk Patients
Med Synchronization Explain "Med Sync" to Your Office Staff
Anxiety Consider Pregabalin as an Alternative to a Benzo for Anxiety
COPD Consider How Striverdi Respimat Compares to Arcapta, Foradil, or Serevent
Infectious Diseases Don't Rely on aPTT for Heparin Monitoring in Patients On Oritavancin
Substance Use Disorder Watch for Signs of Gabapentin Abuse