Benefits of beta blockers in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: network meta-analysis

Source: BMJ Area: News Beta blockers have been shown in randomised trials to prolong survival, prevent arrhythmia, improve symptoms of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction, and control ventricular rate, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. However, controversy exists as to the optimal selection of a particular agent for management of heart failure, as they differ in their selectivity for adrenergic receptors and their effects on the peripheral circulation.   This systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted of efficacy of different beta- blockers in heart failure to clarify whether any particular agent is superior or whether the benefits of these agents are mainly due to a class effect.   A literature search was conducted for randomised trials comparing beta-blockers with other beta-blockers or other treatments, and 21 were included, focusing on atenolol, bisoprolol, bucindolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, and nebivolol. The primary endpoint was ...
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news