[Physical training with beta-blockers in chronic heart failure].

In patients with chronic heart failure, the efficacy of beta-blocker therapy on mortality and the multiple benefits observed with physical training justify the association of the both. The effects of betablockade on different systems solicited in the exercise, particularly on the cardiocirculatory response during exercise test, rise many questions about the impact of beta blocker treatment on the changes induced by physical training. The cardioselective and vasodilating properties of beta-blockers play a role. It seems that the improved performance assessed by peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) resulting from physical training is not limited by the beta-blocker treatment in patients with chronic heart failure. Synergistic effects have been observed, but many issues remain unsolved. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier SAS.