The Beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial (BHAT)

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial designed to test whether the regular administration of propranolol hydrochloride to men and women who had experienced at least one myocardial infarction (heart attack) would result in a significant reduction in total mortality during a two- to four-year period. During a 27-month interval, 3,837 persons between the ages 30 and 69 years were randomized to either propranolol (1,916 persons) or placebo (1,921 persons) five to 21 days after the infarction. Total mortality during the average 25-month follow-up period was 7.2% in the propranolol group and 9.8% in the placebo group. The trial was stopped nine months ahead of schedule. Based on the BHAT results, the use of propranolol in patients with no contraindications to beta-blockade who have had a recent myocardial infarction is recommended for at least three years.

Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI); 1983–1987 ($4,208,443).

Final Paper

Beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial Research Group. A randomized trial of propranolol in patients with acute myocardial infarction. 1. Mortality results. JAMA 1982;247:1707-1714.

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