title: Prolongation of survival in congestive cardiomyopathy by beta-receptor blockade.
abstract: 24 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (group I) were compared with a group of 13 controls with similar clinical findings and myocardial function who were selected retrospectively (group II) . All patients received digitalis and diuretics, but group I patients received beta-blockers as well. The survival-rate in group I patients (83%, 66%, and 52% after one, two, and three years respectively) differed significantly from that in group II subjects (46%, 19%, and 10%, respectively). This finding is supported by the demonstration that beta-blockade improved myocardial function in group I subjects. It is therefore suggested that beta-blockade prolongs survival in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D004232:Diuretics