Randomised trial comparing propranolol with atenolol in immediate treatment of suspected myocardial infarction.
Br Med J 1980; 280 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.280.6218.885 (Published 29 March 1980) Cite this as: Br Med J 1980;280:885
- R G Wilcox,
- J M Roland,
- D C Banks,
- J R Hampton,
- J R Mitchell
Abstract
The value of beta-blockade for suspected acute myocardial infarction was assessed by determining the six-week and one-year mortality rates in patients started on propranolol, atenolol, or placebo immediately on entry to a coronary care unit. A total of 388 patients entered this double-blind, randomised study, and when analysed on the basis of the initial, intention-to-treat categories there was no significant difference between the three groups in respect of the mortality rate at one year. There was, however, a high withdrawal rate from the trial; the reasons for this illustrate problems of physician compliance and interpretation of data, which are common to all early-entry trials of haemodynamically active agents in acute myocardial infarction.