title: The update on the rationale, use and selection of beta-blockers in heart failure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review was to describe important developments in the selection of beta-blockers in heart failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The superiority of carvedilol over metoprolol tartrate in one clinical trial is demonstrated, and multiple studies investigated the potential mechanisms of benefit. Current practice patterns still demonstrate the importance of understanding barriers to the effective use of beta-blocking agents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are continued refinements in the choice of beta-blockers in heart failure, but clearly an important remaining challenge is to modify health care delivery in an effort to maximize adherence to guidelines.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas-Houston and University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giesler
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lenihan
authors.forename: Jean-Bernard
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Durand
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077261:Carvedilol; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002227:Carbazoles; D011412:Propanolamines; D000077261:Carvedilol; D008790:Metoprolol