Beta-blockers in heart failure

pp 533-541

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to analyse the role of beta-blockers in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system in congestive heart failure. Considering the high incidence of congestive heart failure and its mortality rate the evaluation of new treatment strategies seems important. Enhancement of sympathetic tone that causes β adrenoceptor down regulation has been demonstrated in patients with congestive heart failure. Several trials report on the improvement of New York Heart Association functional class, ejection fraction, cardiac output and beta-adrenoceptor density in patients treated with beta-blockers. Although there is some evidence that beta-blockers are useful for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure, trials under sting a larger number of patients are needed to confirm these observation.