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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
12:45

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

[Effects of carvedilol (beta 1, beta 2, alpha 1 bloker) on refractory congestive heart failure]

E A Bocchi1, F Bacal, G Bellotti

  • 1Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|November 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Carvedilol improved heart function and reduced symptoms in patients with severe heart failure. This beta-blocker offers a potential treatment option for refractory heart failure when tolerated.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe heart failure management remains challenging.
  • The efficacy of beta-blockers in refractory heart failure is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of carvedilol on symptoms, functional class, and left ventricular function in patients with refractory heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 21 patients with refractory heart failure (NYHA class III/IV).
  • Progressive dosage increase of carvedilol, starting at 6.25 mg.
  • Evaluations included clinical assessment, ECG, echocardiogram, and MUGA scan after approximately 196 days.

Main Results:

  • Carvedilol was well-tolerated in 76% of patients.
  • Significant improvements observed in functional class, with most patients moving to class I or II.
  • Key cardiac improvements included decreased heart rate, reduced left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and increased left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

  • Carvedilol demonstrates potential benefits in improving cardiac function and remodeling in refractory heart failure.
  • It may serve as a viable treatment option for patients who tolerate the medication.
  • Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects in this patient population.
Abstract

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