How does this new study favorite in? http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20120927/common-heart-drug-questioned
Beta blockers work in a number of different ways which include lowering blood pressure, preventing arrhythmias, and decreasing the stress of the heart (the latter two being the main reasons for why they are prescribed following a heart attack). ACE inhibitors also are prescribed for blood pressure, but also help prevent any negative remodeling of the heart (structurally) following a heart attack. While you are correct that both of these medications are used for hypertension/blood pressure control, they actually have other mechanisms of action that are beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health. Unless there are contraindications for taking these medications (extremely low heart rate or blood pressure, heart block, or conduction disease, renal dysfunction, or an allergy), individuals with a history of a heart attack should be on these medications as prescribed by your cardiologist.