BACKGROUND: Until recently, use of beta-blockers was contraindicated in treatment of patients with congestive heart failure. However, empirical evidence suggests that adding beta-blockers to the standard therapy can slow the progression of heart failure and reduce mortality, including sudden cardiac death. PURPOSE: To analyze the results of major, prospective, randomized controlled trials on the effects of beta-blockers in congestive heart failure and to provide recommendations for clinical practice and patients' education. METHODS: MEDLINE (1989-2001) and biomedical databases (1995-2001) were searched for literature on the use of beta-blockers in patients with congestive heart failure. Information on major randomized controlled trials of at least 6 months' duration with mortality as a major end point were reviewed. RESULTS: Both selective and nonselective beta-blockers significantly reduce mortality due to all causes; decrease need for hospitalization due to cardiovascular causes; and improve patients' New York Heart Association functional classification, hemodynamic status, left ventricular ejection fraction, and signs and symptoms of congestive heartfailure. However, clinical use of beta-blockers remains limited. CONCLUSION: Strong empirical evidence supports adding beta-blockers to the standard therapy for congestive heart failure. Future efforts should be directed toward establishing the safety and efficacy of beta-blockers in patients with severe heartfailure.
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1 November 2001
Articles|
November 01 2001
Beta-blockers: a new therapy in congestive heart failure
Am J Crit Care (2001) 10 (6): 417–427.
Citation
SH Meghani, D Becker; Beta-blockers: a new therapy in congestive heart failure. Am J Crit Care 1 November 2001; 10 (6): 417–427. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2001.10.6.417
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