title: [Use of beta blockers in chronic heart failure].
abstract: Once contraindicated, beta-blockers have become, along with ACE inhibitors, diuretics and agiotensin II receptor blockers, an established, evidence-based, recommended treatment concept in chronic heart failure. The increased activation of the adrenergic system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in heart failure syndrome provides the rationale for the use of beta-blockers in patients with heart failure influencing upon the most important pathological changes in the condition. Long term treatment with beta blockers additive to an ACE inhibitor and diuretic results in normalization of left ventricular function and EF. The long term treatment of heart failure using beta blockers reduces morbidity and mortality from this condition.
authors.affiliation: Klinika za Bolesti Srca i Reumatizam, Klinicki Centar Univerziteta U Sarajevu.
authors.forename: Vjekoslav
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gerc
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buksa
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists