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Carvedilol improves left ventricular function and symptoms in chronic heart failure: a double-blind randomized study
S L Olsen1, E M Gilbert, D G Renlund
1Division of Cardiology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Carvedilol significantly improved cardiac function and reduced heart failure symptoms in patients with cardiomyopathy. This beta-blocker therapy offers a promising treatment option for heart failure management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Carvedilol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent with vasodilator properties.
- The efficacy of carvedilol in heart failure is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of carvedilol in patients with heart failure.
- To evaluate carvedilol's effects on cardiac function and symptoms in idiopathic or ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with heart failure (NYHA classes II-IV) and LVEF ≤ 0.35 were enrolled.
- Patients were randomized to carvedilol (n=36) or placebo (n=24) after initial tolerance.
- Medication was titrated over 1 month and continued for 3 months.
Main Results:
- Carvedilol significantly reduced heart rate and pulmonary pressures, increasing stroke volume and left ventricular stroke work.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 52% in the carvedilol group (0.21 to 0.32, p < 0.0001).
- Carvedilol therapy led to a significant reduction in heart failure symptoms (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Long-term carvedilol therapy improves resting cardiac function in heart failure patients.
- Carvedilol effectively lessens heart failure symptoms, demonstrating its therapeutic benefit.