When should oral β-blockers be initiated for a patient with STEMI?

Initiating oral β-blockers within the first 24 hours after stabilization is considered a best practice for managing patients with STEMI. This timing is critical because it aligns with established protocols in acute coronary syndrome management.

The early use of β-blockers has shown to be beneficial in reducing myocardial oxygen demand, controlling heart rate and blood pressure, as well as preventing arrhythmias in the acute phase following a myocardial infarction. Administering the medication after stabilization ensures that the patient has been assessed for any contraindications, such as signs of heart failure, severe bradycardia, or other conditions that may preclude the safe use of β-blockers.

The approach to treating STEMI requires careful timing and monitoring of the patient's condition, emphasizing the importance of beginning β-blocker therapy as soon as it is safe and clinically appropriate, which is often within 24 hours following stabilization.