Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
[Endothelial protection in patients with apparent cardiac failure in long-term therapy by carvedilol]
Insights
Carvedilol improved chronic cardiac failure (CCF) symptoms and exercise tolerance in patients. This beta-blocker also showed an endothelioprotective effect, reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Chronic cardiac failure (CCF) significantly impacts patient quality of life and prognosis.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key component in the pathophysiology of CCF.
- Beta-blockers are a cornerstone of CCF management, but their specific effects on endothelial function require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of carvedilol, a beta-adrenoblocker, compared to placebo in patients with severe CCF (functional classes III-IV).
- To assess carvedilol's impact on clinical outcomes, exercise tolerance, and endothelial function markers.
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of carvedilol on endothelial and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month, open-label, randomized trial involving 60 CCF patients.
- Patients received carvedilol in addition to standard therapy (ACE inhibitors, diuretics, cardiac glycosides).
- Evaluated clinical course, 6-minute walk test, endothelium-dependent vasodilation, circulating endotheliocytes, triglycerides, malonic dialdehyde, IL-8, and uric acid levels.
Main Results:
- Carvedilol treatment showed a trend towards reduced hospitalizations and improved CCF symptoms.
- Patients on carvedilol exhibited better exercise tolerance and lower levels of uric acid, malonic dialdehyde, and IL-8.
- A trend towards improved brachial artery diameter and reduced endotheliocyte circulation was observed with carvedilol, particularly at doses of 25-50 mg/day.
Conclusions:
- Long-term treatment with standard doses of carvedilol in CCF patients improves clinical status.
- Carvedilol demonstrates a significant endothelioprotective effect, reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function.
- The findings support the inclusion of carvedilol in the management of severe CCF for both clinical and vascular benefits.
Abstract:
We studied effects of beta-adrenoblocker carvedilol vs placebo in 60 patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF) of functional classes III-IV in a 6-month open randomized trial. We examined clinical course, exercise tolerance (a 6 min walk test), endothelial state markers (endothelium-dependent vasodilation, number of circulating endotheliocytes) and activity of systems affecting endothelium (triglycerides, malonic dialdehyde, IL-8, uric acid). The drug was added to conventional therapy (ACE inhibitors, diuretics, cardiac glycosides) in a stable CCF course. Carvedilol group of patients demonstrated a marked trend to reduction of the number of hospitalizations, attenuation of CCF, better tolerance to exercise, lower levels of uric acid (p < 0.05), malonic dialdehyde (p < 0.05) and IL-8 (p = 0.09). There was also wider basal diameter of the brachial artery, and in the diameter at the peak of reactive hyperemia (p = 0.07). The effect was dose-dependent: in patients given 25-50 mg/day of carvedilol there was a trend to a lower circulation of endotheliocytes, triglyceridemia, lipid peroxidation and chronic inflammation. Thus, long-term treatment of CCF with inclusion of standard doses of carvedilol not only improves clinical status of the patients but produces a noticeable endothelioprotective effect.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies