Therapeutic use of cardioselective beta-blockers for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of current clinical evidence

Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, coronary artery diseases (CAD), arrhythmias, and chronic heart failure (CHF), often require treatment with beta-blockers. These conditions frequently coexist with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can complicate therapeutic decisions. Indeed, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD are frequently not given these agents out of concern for possible bronchoconstriction arising from blockade of β2-adrenoceptors in the airways. Observational studies, and meta-analyses support the cardiovascular benefits of β-blockade in people with COPD and cardiovascular diseases. Recent trials evaluating cardioselective β-blockade suggest that cardioselective beta-blockers such as bisoprolol, metoprolol and nebivolol are safe and likely beneficial in those patients that would benefit from their intake due to presence of cardiac comorbid diseases. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the recent trials and indications for use of cardioselective β-blockers in patients with COPD.