Toronto, Canada—Beta-blockers may be even more beneficial than previously known following a heart attack. A study in the Nature Publishing Group’s journal Cell Death Discovery finds that the commonly prescribed drugs prevent further cell death following a cardiac event, which could lead to better longer term patient outcomes. York University researchers found that the drugs promoted cell survival by enhancing the MEF2 protein complex in neurons. Study authors suggest their observations have significant clinical implications that could contribute to novel strategies for prevention of cardiomyocyte apoptosis associated with heart pathology. They call for more research to determine whether beta-blocker treatment immediately after a heart attack will help recovery and avoid progression to heart failure.