Effects of bisoprolol on cardiac function and exercise in patients with heart failure

To assess the effects of bisoprolol on exercise capacity and ventricular function in patients with heart failure.

Clinical and hemodynamic variables, ventricular function and remodeling, and ergospirometry of patients with heart failure of different etiologies were evaluated before and after the administration of bisoprolol.

Twenty-two patients were analyzed; one patient did not tolerate medication and 14 patients reached the study goal. The group consisted of 9 men and 5 women, the mean age was 52 (36-64) years, and patients were followed during 551 days (238-1109). We observed an improvement in NYHA functional class, reduction in resting heart rate (78.8+/-8.7 vs 63+/-6.4 bpm, p <0.001), increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (31.3+/-8.5% vs 39+/-14.7%. p=0.043), and a tendency towards improved quality of life scores (31+/-20.6 vs 17.8+/-14.8. p=0.058). The maximum heart rate dropped during exercise (138.1+/-20.2 vs 116.7+/-27.1. p=0.01), as did peak oxygen consumption (20.9+/-6.8 vs 15.1+/-3.5. p<0.001); no change was observed on the EV/VCO2 slope. The effects were observed for all etiologies, including Chagas disease.

Bisoprolol was safe and well tolerated in patients with heart failure. Bisoprolol therapy improved the symptoms, hemodynamic variables, as well as the cardiac function for all etiologies; however, it did not result in improved exercise capacity.