[What is the danger of long-term application of beta blockers in patients with ischemic heart disease and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?].

Aim: To show specific features of respiratory disoders in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) taking atenolol for a long time.

Material And Methods: A long-term study of external respiration function was made in 287 patients with IHD and COPD treated with berodual and atenolol (group 1) vs 74 matched patients taking berodual only.

Results: Atenolol treated patients demonstrated more pronounced respiratory disorders. Small respiratory tracts were involved earlier with appearance of expiratory peripheral collapse and early expiratory closure of the respiratory tracts. Diffuse ability of the pulmonary tissue deteriorated. Conclusion. Atenolol has a negative effect on the respiratory system, so it is necessary to control external respiratory function in the course of treatment.