Background: We evaluated the burden of adverse events (AEs) caused by beta-blocker use after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in frail, older nursing home (NH) residents.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used national Medicare claims linked to Minimum Data Set assessments. The study population was individuals aged > /=65 years who resided in a U.S. NH for > /=30 days, had a hospitalized AMI between May 2007 and March 2010, and returned to the NH. Exposure was new use of beta-blockers versus non-use post-AMI. Orthostasis, general hypotension, falls, dizziness, syncope, and breathlessness outcomes were measured over 90 days of follow-up. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes were estimated using multinomial logistic regression models after 1:1 propensity score-matching of beta-blocker users to non-users.

Results: Among the 10,992 NH propensity score-matched residents with an AMI, the mean age was 84 years and 70.9% were female. beta-blocker users were more likely than non-users to be hospitalized for hypotension (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.39) or experience breathlessness (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20) after AMI. With the exception of falls, other outcome estimates, though imprecise, were compatible with a potential elevated risk of orthostasis (OR=1.14, 95%CI 0.96-1.35), syncope, (OR=1.24, 95% CI 0.55-2.77), and dizziness (OR=1.28, 95% CI 0.82-1.99) among beta-blocker users.

Conclusions: Considered alongside prior evidence that beta-blockers may worsen functional outcomes in NH residents with poor baseline functional and cognitive status, our results suggest that providers should exercise caution when prescribing for these vulnerable groups, balancing the mortality benefit against the potential for causing AEs.