Beta-adrenergic Receptor Blockers in Heart Failure.

Congestive heart failure is a progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Standard therapy for patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction now includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers. beta Blockers have been demonstrated to decrease mortality, reduce hospitalizations, improve functional class, decrease left ventricular dimensions, and improve ejection fraction in several large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. In addition to reducing deaths due to progressive heart failure, beta blockers also reduce the incidence of sudden death. Therapy with beta blockers can successfully be initiated in most patients with heart failure if recommended titration schedules are followed. beta Blockers are an important component of medical therapy for all stages of heart failure.