Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

An appropriate indication for the initiation of beta-blocker therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy

Toshifumi Morooka1, Teruo Inoue, Norihiko Kotooka

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga, Japan.

Cardiology
|November 8, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Beta-blocker therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has variable patient responses. A new formula using systolic blood pressure and brain natriuretic peptide predicts treatment success, guiding appropriate patient selection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Beta-blocker therapy improves outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
  • Patient responses to beta-blockers in DCM are highly variable.
  • Identifying responders versus non-responders is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine appropriate indications for initiating beta-blocker therapy in DCM patients.
  • To identify baseline clinical and biochemical predictors of beta-blocker response in DCM.
  • To develop a predictive model for beta-blocker therapy response in DCM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 38 DCM patients treated with metoprolol or carvedilol.
  • Comparison of baseline characteristics between beta-blocker responders and non-responders.
  • Discriminant analysis using a linear discriminant function to predict treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Non-responders had longer symptom duration, lower systolic blood pressure, lower serum sodium, thinner left ventricular posterior wall, higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and lower left ventricular wall stress.
  • Non-responders on carvedilol showed higher human atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide levels.
  • A predictive equation (h = 0.004 x systolic blood pressure - 0.002 x brain natriuretic peptide + 0.667) achieved 94.1% accuracy in predicting response (h > or = 0.5).

Conclusions:

  • The developed formula (h > or = 0.5) serves as an appropriate indication for initiating beta-blocker therapy in DCM.
  • Systolic blood pressure and brain natriuretic peptide levels are key predictors of beta-blocker response in DCM.
  • This predictive model can optimize patient selection for beta-blocker therapy in DCM.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers01:27

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...