Beta-adrenergic function in heart muscle disease and heart failure.

Using data derived from clinical and experimental observations, we examine the role of the myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor system in pathophysiologic processes involved in heart muscle disease and heart failure. The available data suggest that the sympathetic nervous system exerts important influences on myocardial structure and function. As such the beta-adrenergic pathways represents an obvious locus for therapeutic intervention in evolving cardiomyopathic states.