Beta blockers for CHF - Adrenergic blockade dramatically reduces morbidity and mortality

Congestive heart failure (CHF) afflicts more than 4 million people in the United States, and about 500,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in this country, and morbidity and mortality rates are high. However, as this article points out, the prognosis in patients with CHF can be significantly improved by appropriate drug therapy. Drs Garg and Sorrentino review evidence supporting the use of beta blockers in CHF and provide practical information about when and how to use these drugs.