Effect of nebivolol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure: a pilot study

Sympathetic activity is a significant predictor of a poor prognosis in heart failure. Beta-blockers have been shown to improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure.

This pilot study examined the tolerability and efficacy of the new beta-blocker nebivolol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure.

Twelve patients with an ejection fraction of 13-39% were included in this double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of nebivolol administered in addition to standard therapy. Exercise time, heart rate, left ventricular function and tolerability were examined at baseline and after 3 months of orally administered nebivolol (2.5 and 5 mg, n = 6) or placebo (n = 6). Nebivolol was well tolerated and the NYHA class improved in four patients. Heart rate decreased while the maximal exercise duration and performance remained stable. Left ventricular function increased (ejection fraction 31.5 +/- 10.11 to 42.0 +/- 10.99%, P < or = 0.01) after 12 weeks of nebivolol. The left ventricular end-systolic diameter decreased in the nebivolol-group from 56.5 +/- 9.40 to 50.2 +/- 9.43 mm (P < or = 0.02).

These data indicate that nebivolol might improve cardiac function in patients with reduced left ventricular function.