Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality according to β-blocker use in 4,493 patients aged 45 years or over with a diagnosis of acute bronchitis.

<p>Adjusted HRs based on Cox proportional hazards were calculated step by step after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, other cardiovascular drugs than the one under study, COPD, use of pulmonary drugs.</p><p>Cardiovascular drugs include β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, statins, digoxin, loop and thiazide diuretics, nitrates, aspirin and clopidrogel, vitamin-K antagonists, and calcium channel blockers.</p><p>Pulmonary drugs include inhalers of β2-agonists, anticholinergic agents, corticosteroids, and oral xanthine derivates.