Trial of Propranolol in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

A total of 536 patients with acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction were given propranolol, 20 mg. four times daily, or placebo tablets for three weeks in a double-blind trial. In 454 patients the diagnosis of infarction was sustained, and of these 226 received propranolol and 228 placebo. No difference was found in mortality between control and treated patients nor in the incidence of major arrhythmias, heart failure, hypotension, or further chest pain. Ectopic beats, as detected in the pulse on ward rounds, were reduced by propranolol, however, and a possible reason for this is discussed. © 1968, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.