Theoretical risks and benefits for those with heart disease and COPD treated with β-blockers (over and above the known cardiovascular benefits)
| Theoretical risks of β-blockers | Theoretical benefits of β-blockers |
|---|---|
| Reduction in basal lung function Reduction in efficacy of emergency rescue β-agonists Reduction in efficacy of long-acting β-agonist Concern over distinguishing COPD from asthma | Inhibition of cardiac stimulation by increased endogenous catecholamines during exacerbation Inhibition of cardiac stimulation of β-agonists given during exacerbation Potential reduction in systemic inflammation |