9. Patient Profiles
Who were these patients? Well they were VA patient A and B. The
demographics are on the slide, you can read it yourself. 40% had
known CAD, PTCA was rare because the study was done in the early
90's. 8% had congestive failure. What about COPD, can I give a
beta blocker to someone with COPD? COPD is incredibly common at
the VA. We just ignored it and gave beta blockers to these patients.
They did fine. Worry about asthma with serious attacks of broncoconstriction.
COPD is NOT a contraindication to perioperative beta blockers.
Moreover, in patients with asthma, clonidine is an alternative
BBAC therapy.
