Evolving concepts concerning cardiac β-adrenoceptor function in heart failure.
This review describes the clinical application of β-adrenergic blocking drugs over time in patients with congestive heart failure. The different pharmacological properties of these drugs in relation to clinical outcomes raises questions as to their optimal desirable profile based on studies showing the undesirable effects of excessive β(2)-AR activation. The rationale for the use of selective β(2)-AR antagonists in heart failure is discussed.
Materia Medica, Mere Croft Chester Road, Mere Cheshire WA16 6LG, UK.
Black
B
James
Fitzgerald
F
Desmond
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta