Beta-blockade in chronic heart failure: does it work in everyone?
Chronic heart failure continues to exact a heavy burden on society due to high morbidity and mortality, in spite of advances in management. Beta-adrenergic blockade, by the suppression of sympathetic activity, attenuates the adverse ventricular remodeling seen in heart failure, and decreases mortality and hospitalization rates. Recently reported trials, meta-analyses, and sub-analyses extend the benefit of beta-blockade to severe heart failure, women, elderly patients, and African Americans. In addition, recent data also indicate the cost-effectiveness of beta-blockade in combating this deadly disease. These data indicate the strength of evidence for the use of beta-blockade for most patients with chronic heart failure.
Chahoud
Georges
G
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock 72205, USA.
Joseph
Jacob
J
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044383:Black People; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D001741:Black or African American
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors