Carvedilol in the treatment of elderly patients with chronic heart failure.
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is common, and increases in incidence and prevalence with age. There are compelling data demonstrating reduced mortality and hospitalizations with adrenergic blockade in older patients with CHF. Despite this, many older patients remain undertreated. The aim of the present article is to review the potential mechanisms of the benefits of adrenergic blockade in CHF and the clinical data available from the large randomized studies, focusing particularly on older patients.
Witte
Klaus K A
KK
Academic Department of Cardiology, LIGHT Building, University of Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary, UK. klauswitte@hotmail.com
Clark
Andrew L
AL
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077261:Carvedilol; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D004077:Digoxin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000453:epidemiology; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002227:Carbazoles; D011412:Propanolamines; D000077261:Carvedilol; D004077:Digoxin