Carvedilol: beta-blockade and beyond.

Carvedilol is an adrenergic antagonist with nonselective beta- and a1-receptor blocking properties that has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in the management of patients with heart failure and in the post-myocardial infarction setting. It also possesses unique ancillary properties that may account for positive results in a number of clinical trials. It appears to offer particular advantages in the treatment of comorbid conditions, including coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, renal failure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, that can independently contribute to the progression of heart failure.