Beta-blockers Linked to Reduced Mortality in Heart Failure

Regardless of age or sex, β-blockers can reduce the mortality and hospital admission rates of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), according to a new meta-analysis.

It is generally believed that β-blockers can have adverse effects in the elderly and in women. However, this study aimed to examine the efficacy and tolerability of β-blockers in a broad range of patients with HFrEF.
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To further understand how β-blockers affected these populations, the researchers performed a meta-analysis of 13,833 patients aged 40 to 85 in sinus rhythm at baseline and with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45% who participated in 11 placebo-controlled randomized trials.

The researchers tracked all-cause mortality and hospital admissions for heart failure.

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that beta-blockers reduced the risk of death compared with placebo, regardless of age or sex. Results showed a 4.3% absolute reduction in mortality over a median 1.3-year follow-up.

In addition, β-blockers reduced hospital admission rates for heart failure.

“Irrespective of age or sex, patients with HFrEF in sinus rhythm should receive β-blockers to reduce the risk of death and admission to hospital,” the researchers concluded.

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Kotecha D, Manzano L, Krum H, et al. Effect of age and sex on efficacy and tolerability of β blockers in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: individual patient data meta-analysis [published online April 20, 2016]. BMJ. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i1855.