[Is heart rate reduction beneficial to patients with heart insufficiency? Focus on beta-blockade].
The aim of this review was to assess the effect of pharmacological reduction of the heart rate on prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. Although a high heart rate is associated with a reduced life expectancy and causes a number of unwanted pathophysiological effects on the failing heart, there is no documentation that the beneficial effect of beta-blockers or other heart failure agents on survival is mediated through a reduction in heart rate.
Henriksen
Otto Mølby
OM
H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, medicinsk center, kardiologisk klinik Y. omh@dadlnet.dk
Gadsbøll
Niels
N
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000804:Angiotensin II