Beta blockers in heart failure

Abstract

Recent trials have shown the unequivocal benefits of beta blockers in patients with chronic systolic heart failure. These benefits include improved survival (30-35%) and a reduced need for hospitalisation. However, beta blockers may also make a patient with heart failure worse, especially when treatment begins. Complications can generally be avoided by starting with extremely low doses and increasing the dose very slowly. Beta blockers should be added to optimal conventional therapy for heart failure, and started only when the patient is stable.