Role of Beta-blockers in Treatment of Heart Failure

ABSTRACT

Anti-adrenergic medication is very important to the treatment of chronic heart failure because a failing human heart is adrenergically activated. The increase in cardiac adrenergic drive and circulating norepinephrine are damaging to a failing heart. Certain beta-blockers have been shown to improve the cardiac function and symptoms and to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure. Recently, the third-generation beta-blockers have emerged for the treatment of heart failure. This article reviews the neurohormonal pathophysiology of heart failure and the different beta-blockers and their effects.