| Literature DB >> 11192347 |
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. Beta-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 mechanism of beta-blocker effects in heart failure are cardiac protection from beta1-adrenoceptor overstimulation, antiarrhythmic effects, reduction in heart rate and positive energetic effects or a combination thereof.Entities:
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Year: 2000 PMID: 11192347 DOI: 10.1007/s003950070004
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Basic Res Cardiol ISSN: 0300-8428 Impact factor: 17.165