I've had a heart attack: should I keep taking beta blockers forever?

He's suggested that it is only really necessary to take beta-blockers for the first 12 months after a heart attack. Is this correct? I thought I would need to keep taking it for the rest of my life.

Dr Mike Knapton says:

I am sorry to hear about your heart attack and the nightmares you are experiencing. Nightmares are common, and just about everyone will experience them at one time or another, whether they’re taking medication or not. They can be very distressing, causing fear, anxiety and disturbed sleep. Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker, a commonly prescribed drug. Less than one in 10 people experience side effects while taking bisoprolol; nightmares are one of the less common.

To reduce the chances of having another heart attack, it is recommended that all patients who have already had one take a beta-blocker, such as bisoprolol. The evidence suggests you benefit from the drug if taken for the first 12 months after your heart attack. Your doctor would only want to continue treatment if you had another problem, such as heart failure or high blood pressure. Even in these circumstances, your doctor will be able to offer alternative treatment if you cannot tolerate the bisoprolol.

The important thing is to report any possible side effects to your doctor, so that your treatment is both safe and effective.

For more information, download our free booklet Medicines for the heart