Carvedilol: a nonselective beta blocking agent with antioxidant properties.

Despite advances in therapy, congestive heart failure is a major public health problem with a high mortality and morbidity. The benefits of beta blockers in slowing disease progression and decreasing mortality have recently been shown in large clinical trials. Oxidative stress contributes to disease progression in both post-myocardial reperfusion injury and dilated cardiomyopathy. Several medications are known to have antioxidant effects, including some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Carvedilol is a non-selective beta blocker with antioxidant properties approved for use in congestive heart failure. Copyright 2002 CHF, Inc.