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GPs 'too wary of beta blockers' GPs 'too wary of beta blockers'
(10 minutes later)
Many doctors are failing to prescribe beta blocker drugs to combat heart disease because they over-estimate possible side effects, researchers say.Many doctors are failing to prescribe beta blocker drugs to combat heart disease because they over-estimate possible side effects, researchers say.
A study by medical researchers at the University of Leeds found although GPs knew of the drugs' benefits, many were wary of prescribing them.A study by medical researchers at the University of Leeds found although GPs knew of the drugs' benefits, many were wary of prescribing them.
The findings were revealed at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester on Wednesday.The findings were revealed at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester on Wednesday.
Researchers said the dispensing rate was "exceptionally low in the UK".Researchers said the dispensing rate was "exceptionally low in the UK".
Pharmacist Dr Duncan Petty, who led the research team said: "The study assessed general practitioners' knowledge of beta blockers through a questionnaire. Pharmacist Dr Duncan Petty, who led the research team, said: "The study assessed general practitioners' knowledge of beta blockers through a questionnaire.
"It found that although GPs were aware of the scale of the benefits, they tended to over-estimate adverse effects compared to placebo"."It found that although GPs were aware of the scale of the benefits, they tended to over-estimate adverse effects compared to placebo".
We know these drugs can save lives, so we need to conduct more research Dr Duncan PettyWe know these drugs can save lives, so we need to conduct more research Dr Duncan Petty
The pharmacists said the harmful effects of beta blockers in patients with heart failure who did not have contra-indications [additional considerations] were small.The pharmacists said the harmful effects of beta blockers in patients with heart failure who did not have contra-indications [additional considerations] were small.
Their paper said: "The benefits are high, as are those for ACE-inhibitor drugs that are also used to treat heart failure."Their paper said: "The benefits are high, as are those for ACE-inhibitor drugs that are also used to treat heart failure."
The Bradford-based study claimed that family doctors understood the relative risks and benefits in the treatment of heart failure "indicating that lack of knowledge is not the barrier to under-prescribing".The Bradford-based study claimed that family doctors understood the relative risks and benefits in the treatment of heart failure "indicating that lack of knowledge is not the barrier to under-prescribing".
Dr Petty added: "We know these drugs can save lives, so we need to conduct more research to determine why the prescribing rate of beta blockers for heart failure is exceptionally low in the UK."Dr Petty added: "We know these drugs can save lives, so we need to conduct more research to determine why the prescribing rate of beta blockers for heart failure is exceptionally low in the UK."