New developments in the use of β-blockers for the management of heart failure

Chronic heart failure (HF) has become a significant healthcare problem in the US. The number of new cases per year continues to grow steadily due to an ageing population and improved survival from acute coronary syndromes. As a consequence, the management of HF patients is of great importance. Effective management of HF includes stabilising the patient and improving the clinical symptoms associated with HF. Patients with HF have increased sympathetic nervous system activity that contributes to impaired cardiovascular function over time and subsequently results in death. beta-blockers prevent such impairment through inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system neurohormonal pathway. Numerous clinical trials conducted over the past decade have demonstrated that beta-blockers, in conjunction with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are not only effective but are superior to other medical interventions for the treatment of HF. The standard of care for patients with HF now includes beta-blockers as well as ACE inhibitors.