Beta-Blockers in the Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Which is the Best?

Among the multiple pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, beta-blockers seem to be the mainstay of heart failure management. Although the first large studies failed to demonstrate a significant improvement in mortality, the results from subsequent studies revealed significant risk reductions in mortality with metoprolol, carvedilol and bisoprolol. Decision of the appropriate therapeutic agent depends on the existence of some specific conditions complicating dilated cardiomyopathy. This article reviews the impact of beta-blocker therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of ischemic or non-ischemic etiology. </aug> <abs>