Prolongation of survival in congestive cardiomyopathy by beta-receptor blockade

K Swedberg, A Hjalmarson, F Waagstein, I Wallentin - The Lancet, 1979 - Elsevier
K Swedberg, A Hjalmarson, F Waagstein, I Wallentin
The Lancet, 1979Elsevier
Abstract 24 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (group I) were compared with a group
of 13 controls with similar clinical findings and myocardial function who were selected
retrospectively (group II). All patients received digitalis and diuretics, but group I patients
received β-blockers as well. The survival-rate in group I patients (83%, 66%, and 52% after
one, two, and three years respectively) differed significantly from that in group II subjects
(46%, 19%, and 10%, respectively). This finding is supported by the demonstration that β …
Abstract
24 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (group I) were compared with a group of 13 controls with similar clinical findings and myocardial function who were selected retrospectively (group II). All patients received digitalis and diuretics, but group I patients received β-blockers as well. The survival-rate in group I patients (83%, 66%, and 52% after one, two, and three years respectively) differed significantly from that in group II subjects (46%, 19%, and 10%, respectively). This finding is supported by the demonstration that β-blockade improved myocardial function in group I subjects. It is therefore suggested that β-blockade prolongs survival in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy.
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