What is the most effective beta-blocker for heart failure?

Journal of Family Practice, May, 2003 by Jon O. Neher

(10.) Sturm B, Pacher R, Strametz-Juranek J, et al. Effect of beta 1 blockade with atenolol on progression of heart failure in patients pretreated with high-dose enalapril. Eur J Heart Fail 2000; 2:407-412.

RELATED ARTICLE: What is a Clinical Inquiry?

Clinical Inquiries answer real questions that family physicians submit to the Family Practice Inquiries Network (FPIN), a national, not-for-profit consortium of family practice departments, residency programs, academic health sciences libraries, primary care practice-based research networks, and individuals with particular expertise.

Questions chosen for Clinical Inquiries are those considered most important, according to results of web-based voting by family physicians across the U.S.

Answers are developed by a specific method:

* First, extensive literature searches are conducted by medical librarians.

* Clinicians then review the evidence and write the answers, which are then peer reviewed.

* Finally, a practicing family physician writes a commentary.

Jon O. Neher, MD, Valley Medical Center, Family Practice Residency, Renton, Wash; Sarah Safranek, MLIS, University of Washington Health Sciences Libraries, Seattle