Effects of bisoprolol on heart function and myocardial remodeling in patients with congestive heart failure

AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of bisoprololon heart function and myocardial remodeling in congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS 212 patients with chronic heart failure of various etiologies and the left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% randomly entered the bisoprolol and control groups. Bisoprolol was administered orally in the initial dose of 0.625~1.25 mg·d -1 and then 2.5~5 mg was instilled daily. The heart function (NYHA) and parameters in hemodynamics (LVEDD, LVESD, EF and VE/VA) were observed. RESULTS 3 months later, the heart function more favorably improved in the bisoprolol group (87.7%) than in the control group (66.0%, P 0.05). Compared with the control group, CHF due to coronary heart disease (87.9% to 66.7%, P 0.05) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (91.9% to 67.4%, P 0.01) improved significantly in the bisoprolol group. 6 months later, the heart function of patients with serious CHF also more favorably improved in the bisoprolol group (90%) than in the control group (65.4%, P 0.05). LVESD was shortened obviously in the bisoprolol group as compared with the controls [(44.8± 3.9) vs (48.8±4.6) mm, P 0.01], and EF was enhanced in the bisoprolol group as compared with the controls [(40.7±7.5)% vs (35.7±5.2)%, P 0.01]. LVEDD and VE/VA got better than those of pre therapy ( P 0.01). CONCLUSION Bisoprolol may relieve symptoms, increase cardiac systolic and diastolic functions, and partially regress myocardial remodeling.