Prolongation of survival in congestive cardiomyopathy by beta-receptor blockade.

24 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (group I) were compared with a group of 13 controls with similar clinical findings and myocardial function who were selected retrospectively (group II) . All patients received digitalis and diuretics, but group I patients received beta-blockers as well. The survival-rate in group I patients (83%, 66%, and 52% after one, two, and three years respectively) differed significantly from that in group II subjects (46%, 19%, and 10%, respectively). This finding is supported by the demonstration that beta-blockade improved myocardial function in group I subjects. It is therefore suggested that beta-blockade prolongs survival in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy.