SynthesisThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews2008
Beta blockers for peripheral arterial disease.
Synthesis in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2008. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 93 citations in OpenAlex.
- 2026 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Performance Measures.Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2026Guideline
- Beta blockers for peripheral arterial disease.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2013Pooled it
- Outcomes of Lower Extremity Endovascular Revascularization: Potential Predictors and Prevention Strategies.International journal of molecular sciences · 2021Review
- β-blockade: benefits beyond blood pressure reduction?Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.) · 2012Review
- ACE up the sleeve - are vascular patients medically optimized?Vascular health and risk management · 2011Article
- The transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha mediates exercise-induced angiogenesis in skeletal muscle.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2009Article
Corrections and comments
- Updated by
Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundBeta (ss) blockers are indicated for use in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, optimal therapy for people with CAD accompanied by intermittent claudication has been controversial due to the presumed peripheral haemodynamic consequences of beta blockers, leading to worsening symptoms of intermittent claudication.
objectivesTo quantify the potential harm of beta blockers on maximum walking distance, claudication distance, calf blood flow, calf vascular resistance, and skin temperature when used in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases (PVD) Group searched for publications describing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of beta blockers in PAD in their Trials Register (last searched 6 May 2008) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (last searched The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 2). We handsearched relevant journals and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials evaluating the role of both selective (beta1) and non-selective (beta1 and beta2) beta blockers compared with placebo. We excluded trials comparing different types of beta blockers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome measures were claudication distance in metres, and the time to claudication in minutes, and maximum walking distance in metres and minutes (as assessed by treadmill).Secondary outcome measures were calf blood flow (ml/100 ml/min), calf vascular resistance, and skin temperature (degrees C). MAIN
resultsWe included six RCTs fulfilling the above criteria, with a total of 119 patients. The beta blockers studied were atenolol, propranolol, pindolol, and metoprolol. None of the trials showed a statistically significant worsening effect of beta blockers on either the primary or secondary outcomes. There were no reports of any adverse events with the beta blockers studied. AUTHORS'
conclusionsThere is currently no evidence that beta blockers adversely affect walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. However, due to the lack of large published trials beta blockers should be used with caution if clinically indicated.
Indexed as
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What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.