Metoprolol in the treatment of cardiovascular disease: a critical reappraisal

Abstract

Background: Extensive clinical experience on metoprolol has been gained in different cardiovascular conditions.

Review: This paper discusses the use of metoprolol, with a focus on the extended-release formulation, in clinical practice in the light of existing evidence and current recommendations. This is a narrative review based on existing evidence and clinical experience of the author. Evidence on the use of metoprolol in heart failure, ischemic artery disease, arterial hypertension, and atrial fibrillation is well-established.

Conclusions: Metoprolol still appears to be a suitable pharmacological option in different cardiovascular conditions. Research on this molecule is still active and new, promising settings of use are being explored and may provide relevant results in the years to come.

Keywords:

• Atrial fibrillation
• congestive heart failure
• essential hypertension
• ischemic heart disease
• metoprolol succinate

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Recordati supported the medical writing contribution.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have received an honorarium from CMRO for their review work, but have no other relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgments

Medical writing and editing was performed by Luca Giacomelli, PhD, and Aashni Shah.