Abstract
Sympathetic activation is a significant predictor of a poor prognosis in heart failure. Excessive stimulation with norepinephrine produces apoptosis, tachycardia and arrhythmias thereby leading to progression of left ventricular dysfunction and worsening of outcome. β-Blockers reduce morbidity and improve cardiac function. They have been shown to improve survival (MERIT-HF, CIBIS II and US-Carvedilol Trials). A careful uptitration of dosages is achievable with a low rate of side effects. The mechanisms of β-blocker effects in heart failure are cardiac protection from β1-adrenoceptor overstimulation, antiarrhythmic effects, reduction in heart rate and positive energetic effects or a combination thereof.
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Böhm, M., Maack, C. Treatment of heart failure with beta-blockers. Mechanisms and results. Basic Res Cardiol 95 (Suppl 1), I15–I24 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003950070004
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003950070004