Beta-Blocker Discontinuation After Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers after myocardial infarction (MI) are being questioned, specifically among persons with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This raises consideration for beta-blocker discontinuation. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of discontinuation vs continuation of beta-blockers after MI. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, Epistemonikos from inception to September 11, 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies among adults ≥18 years. Outcomes included mortality and major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE), as well as its components. We performed meta-analyses using an inverse-variance random-effects model and evaluated certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: We screened 4,103 titles/abstracts, and 10 studies were eligible (1 randomized controlled trial, 9 observational studies; N = 121,114). Eight studies involved patients with LVEF >40% and/or without heart failure. Compared with beta-blocker continuation, discontinuation might not be associated with increased risk of mortality (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.96-1.28; 8 studies; low certainty evidence). Discontinuation might be associated with increased risk of MACE compared with continuation (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01-1.24; 7 studies; low certainty; driven by increased risk of CV hospitalizations) but might not be associated with an increased risk of MI (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.95-2.04; 5 studies; low certainty). CONCLUSIONS: Among post-MI patients with LVEF >40% and without heart failure, beta-blocker discontinuation might not increase risk of mortality or MI, though there may be an increased risk of MACE primarily due to CV hospitalizations.