Beneficial effects of long-term beta-blockade in congestive cardiomyopathy.

摘要: Twenty-eight patients with heart failure caused by congestive cardiomyopathy, which had been diagnosed according to the criteria of Goodwin and Oakley, were treated beta-blocking agents for six 62 months, except four who died within two months. Repeated non-invasive investigations performed before during treatment as well exercise tests chest x-rays. The echocardiographic pulse curve findings indicated an improvement in systolic diastolic myocardial function. ejection fraction increased from 0.32 +/- 0.02 0.42 0.04, third sound amplitude rapid filling wave significantly reduced. functional classification improved 15 while 12 it remained unchanged one deteriorated. During follow-up, 10 died, most them suddenly. mortality was lower than expected this severely ill group patients. beneficial effect chronic beta-blockade cardiomyopathy suggests that catecholamines are involved pathogenesis may have inappropriate sympathetic cardiac stimulation can be reduced beta-blockade. It is suggested beta-receptor blockade should added conventional digitalis diuretics all severe cardiomyopathy.