Beta blockers improve outcome in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: U.S. carvedilol study.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in a significant number of patients with heart failure (HF) caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The deleterious interaction of AF and HF is mediated through a number of mechanisms including hemodynamic alterations and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Beta-blockers have been shown to improve symptoms and survival in patients with HF. In addition, beta-blockers have been used in patients with AF, primarily for rate control. A retrospective analysis of the U.S. Carvedilol Heart Failure Trial demonstrated that carvedilol improves outcomes in the high-risk subgroup of patients with HF and concomitant AF.
Ramaswamy
Karthik
K
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077261:Carvedilol; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002227:Carbazoles; D011412:Propanolamines; D000077261:Carvedilol