JAPANESE CIRCULATION JOURNAL
Online ISSN : 1347-4839
Print ISSN : 0047-1828
ISSN-L : 0047-1828
Clinical Studies
Effect of Beta-Blocker on Left Ventricular Function and Natrituretic Peptides in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Treated With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
Yuji HaraMareomi HamadaYuji ShigematsuMakoto SuzukiKoji KodamaTaishi KuwaharaHidetoshi HashidaShuntaro IkedaTomoaki OhtsukaGo HiasaKunio Hiwada
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2000 Volume 64 Issue 5 Pages 365-369

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Abstract

To evaluate whether or not β-blockers can improve the condition of patients with heart failure treated with a combination of diuretics, digitalis and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), 52 patients with chronic heart failure who have been treated with ACEI for more than 6 months were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups: 26 patients continued the same therapy another 6 months or more (group A), and 26 patients were given oral metoprolol for 6 months or more, in addition to the ACEI (group B). Echocardiographic parameters and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP) were measured. The left ventricular dimensions at end-diastole and end-systole were significantly decreased and fractional shortening was significantly increased in group B after 6 months’ treatment with the β-blocker, but these parameters remained unchanged in group A. Plasma levels of both ANP and BNP were significantly decreased in group B, but remained unchanged in group A. These results indicate that concomitant β-blocker therapy can improve left ventricular function and attenuate plasma ANP and BNP levels in patients with chronic heart failure treated with ACEI.

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© 2000 THE JAPANESE CIRCULATION SOCIETY
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