New information on the role of beta-blockers in cardiac therapy

Hypertension and ischemic heart disease are important precursors of heart failure. The prevention of progression to heart failure is a prime objective when treating patients with hypertension or ischemic heart disease. In patients with hypertension, treatment with either diuretics or beta-blockers reduces the risk of chronic heart failure. In patients with ischemic heart disease, beta-blocker therapy reduces the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and ensuing cardiac dysfunction. The beneficial effects of beta-blocker therapy may be greater in post-infarction patients who have impaired left ventricular function than in those patients without such impairment. When considering heart failure itself, the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has been demonstrated in patients with mild-to-severe left ventricular dysfunction and their use is indicated for all stages of heart failure to reduce symptoms and retard further impairment of left ventricular function. Diuretics and digitalis offer relief from the symptoms of the disease, while positive inotropes are reserved for parenteral administration in end-stage heart failure, as a bridge to transplantation, or in acute exacerbations of the disease. Added to standard therapy, beta-blockade is of value in the treatment of heart failure, preventing further deterioration and improving hemodynamics, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and long-term prognosis.