Abstract
A review article deals with the safety of ß2-agonists in the treatment of bronchial obstruction in relationship to their effects on cardiovascular system. They are causing the increase in heart rate, the acceleration of atria-ventricle conduction, the decrease in refractory period, the prolongation of QT interval, the decrease in Q-S2I, the increase in cardiac index and the decrease in systemic vascular resistance.
Simultaneously a decrease in serum potassium concentrations is usually found. A combination of low serum potassium, hypoxaemia and high ß2- agonist doses could be of great risk for the development of serious arrhythmias.
Long-term studies, dealing with the relationship between serious adverse cardiovascular events in conjuction with the ß2-agonists treatment in recommended doses, especially in combination with inhaled corticosteroids are proving a good safety profile in most patients.