Beta-adrenergic blockers and survival in heart failure

Article Abstract:

Much research is needed before beta blockers can be recommended in the treatment of heart failure. A 1996 study found that carvedilol may reduce mortality rates in patients with chronic heart failure. But the study was small and lasted a median of only seven months. The study also included a two-week run-in period during which time the drug dosage was adjusted. Seven people died during this time, but those deaths were not counted in the final results. Seventeen patients were not included in the final study because their heart failure worsened during the run-in period. Only 3% of the patients had severe symptoms, but these are the very patients who would benefit from a second drug added to the heart medications they were already taking. Beta blockers in patients with heart failure have been contraindicated in the past because the activation of the sympathetic nervous system was thought to be beneficial to the heart. Beta blockers would inhibit this activation.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - continued progress

Article Abstract:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by an abnormally enlarged and constricted left ventricle, producing many symptoms related to abnormal contraction and relaxation of heart muscle. Calcium is involved in muscle contraction by its movement across cell membranes. It is suggested that the increased calcium concentration may cause the associated symptoms. New research found that the number of receptors for calcium on cardiac cells was higher in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Heart muscle contraction and relaxation were affected by this abnormal entry of calcium into the cells, which explains the resultant symptoms; the abnormality may affect smooth muscles as well. It was also found that there are many patients with no obvious symptoms, confirming the mild nature of this disease in some patients. More studies regarding the genetic aspect of this disease are currently underway.

Analysis, Calcium channels, Cardiomyopathy, Myocardial diseases, Heart enlargement, Heart hypertrophy, Doppler echocardiography, editorial

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Expanding indications for beta-blockers in heart failure

Article Abstract:

Beta blockers can lower the risk of death in patients with heart failure. However, the drugs have adverse effects and patients should be started on the small doses which can be increased gradually.

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