Carvedilol for heart failure: renewed interest in beta blockers.

Although beta blockers were once contraindicated in patients with heart failure, a growing understanding of the role of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure is rekindling interest in these drugs. In particular, the beta blocker carvedilol is a valuable adjunctive treatment for mild-to-moderate compensated congestive heart failure, regardless of etiology. The utility of carvedilol appears to be related to its specific properties.