Beta adrenergic blockers in chronic congestive cardiac failure: a call for action.

Antagonism of adverse neuro-endocrine responses is the current paradigm by which chronic congestive cardiac failure is treated. Several recent large-scale randomized, controlled trials have confirmed the benefits of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in this regard. In light of the present heart failure 'epidemic', appropriate organization of services is mandatory to ensure that as many patients as possible can benefit from this life-saving therapy.