The actions of talinolol, a β₁-selective beta blocker, in cardiac arrhythmia and acute myocardial infarction

Summary

It has long been known that beta-receptor blocking agents, including mainly cardioselective compounds, have favourable effects on tachyarrhythmias of various origins. They are the only substances known so far in the post-infarction phase to reduce significantly sudden cardiac deaths and to lower the rate of recurrent infarctions.^{7, 11, 14, 15, 31, 38, 42} High-risk patients seem to benefit most from the application of cardioselective beta blockers.^{11, 15} In the acute infarction phase as well, beta-receptor blockers display favourable effects in the majority of patients, especially as they reduce the myocardial-infarct size and lower the tendency to arrhythmias by protecting the heart from sympathetic stimulation. ^{11 32, 40} The favourable effect on the variability of the heart rate must be stressed.²⁵ Furthermore, the early application of beta-receptor blockers is recommended today not only in the event of hyperkinetic reactivity, but also and particularly in so-called high-risk patients, although always respecting the contra-indication. In these patients, mortality is reduced markedly in the long-term treatment.

Key Words::

• β₁-blockers
• talinolol
• acute myocardial infarction
• cardiac arrhythmias