[beta]-blockers in left ventricular systolic dysfunction—from evidence to practice - Abstract

Age and Ageing, Jan, 2002 by Syamasis Bandyopadhyay, M. Sinead O'Mahony

Five percent of all hospital medical admissions are patients with heart failure. The incidence is about one new case per 1000 of the general population per year, increasing to > 10 per 1000 in those aged [greater than or equal to] 85 years. Although the evidence that [beta]-blockers reduce mortality by about 36% when added to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is overwhelming, clinicians are still reluctant to use [beta]-blockers in heart failure, especially in older patients.

Here, we examine the evidence for the use of [beta]-blockers in heart failure in older people and explore the practicalities of their use.