Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of chronic heart failure
Bundkirchen, A.; Brixius, K.; Schwinger, R.H.G.
Die Pharmazie 59(2): 83-92
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-7144 PMID: 15025174 Document Number: 575382
Beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of chronic heart failure The incidence of chronic heart failure is high in the developed countries (1-4/1000 per year). Treatment of chronic heart failure is a therapeutic challenge. A great improvement in mortality and morbidity of heart failure patients was achieved by the introduction of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in the treatment of chronic heart failure. However only 39% of heart failure patients are treated with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker in Europe. This review outlines pathophysiology of the beta-adrenergic system during human heart failure and its alterations induced by beta-adrenoceptor blockade. Based on the results of large clinical trials, experimental-pharmacological properties of beta-adrenoceptor blockers as well as the main aspects of its clinical use are discussed.