Cardiovascular surgery (London, England)
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We have evaluated the safety and efficacy of routine beta-blockade for the prevention of cardiac complications in a comprehensive series of patients undergoing major vascular surgery and amputation for atherosclerotic arterial disease. From 1 December 2001 to 31 May 2002, patients received perioperative beta-blockade by atenolol. Outcomes in this period were compared to the immediately antecedent 6 months. ⋯ On multivariate analysis, treatment with beta-blockers was the only variable significantly associated with a decrease in cardiac morbidity (OR=0.12; 95% CI=0.002-0.66; P=0.014). Two patients suffered bronchospasm leading to discontinuation of atenolol. Routine perioperative beta-blockade was safe and reduced the occurrence of cardiac complications after vascular surgery.