Beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents for the treatment of heart failure.

Congestive heart failure is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Modification of neurohormonal activation by use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors has been shown to decrease symptoms and prolong survival. More recent evidence has suggested that beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent therapy may be also beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure, possibly by down-regulating the activation of the adrenergic system. A large number of randomized trials of beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents in heart failure have been performed. These studies demonstrated improvement in symptoms of congestive heart failure, functional classification, and reduction in the number of patients requiring cardiac transplantation. beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents have not been shown to decrease mortality, however, the current trials have been too small to be conclusive in this regard.