title: beta-Blockers in heart failure: clinical applications.
abstract: beta-Blockers reduce morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and stable fluid status. The successful adoption of beta-blocker guidelines for these patients requires an understanding of the value of this therapy and effective systems to maintain safety and ensure high quality of care. This article distills scientific evidence and consensus guidelines into a series of cases and practical answers about patient selection, discussions with patients, management and monitoring, and systems improvements to optimize quality of care, safety, and benefit for all patients with heart failure.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, PO Box 208025, New Haven, CT 06520-8025, USA.
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: JoAnne Micale
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Foody
authors.forename: Harlan M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Krumholz
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists