Carvedilol in the treatment of elderly patients with chronic heart failure

Review

(2542) Views  (512) Full article downloads

Authors: Klaus KA Witte, Andrew L Clark

Published Date March 2008 Volume 2008:3(1) Pages 55 - 70

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S1044

Klaus KA Witte¹, Andrew L Clark²

¹Academic Department of Cardiology, LIGHT Building, University of Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary, UK; ²Academic Department of Cardiology, Castle Hill Hospital, University of Hull, Hull, UK

Abstract: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is common, and increases in incidence and prevalence with age. There are compelling data demonstrating reduced mortality and hospitalizations with adrenergic blockade in older patients with CHF. Despite this, many older patients remain undertreated. The aim of the present article is to review the potential mechanisms of the benefits of adrenergic blockade in CHF and the clinical data available from the large randomized studies, focusing particularly on older patients.

Keywords: beta-blockers, chronic heart failure