Effect of losartan and metoprolol on heart function in aged severe chronic heart failure

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of early metoprolol combination on losartan treated gerontic patients with severe chronic heart failure.Method 65 cases(aged 72.5±6.9) of severe chronic heart failure with NYHA heart function grade were divided into three groups: losartan group(n=23),losartan and metoprolol combination group(n=22) and control group(n=20).All patients were followed up for 12 months,including their heart functions,LVEF by echocardiography,in hospital treatment days and times,and mortality.BNP value in the treatment of chronic heart failure was also investigated.Results After half year period,there were significant differences between combination group and losartan in BNP(P0.05),there were no differences between combination group and losartan in heart function and LVEF,but there were significant differences in heart functions and LVEF in combination group and losartan compared to control group(P0.05),also highly significant in BNP(P0.01).After a year,there were significant differences between combination group and losartan(P0.05) in heart functions and LVEF,also highly significant in BNP(P0.01) and there were also highly significant in heart functions,BNP and LVEF in combination group and losartan compared to control group(P0.01),combination group was the lowest group of in hospital treatment days and times.Conclusions Better clinical results achieved by losartan and metoprolol combination therapy in gerontic patients with severe chronic heart failure compared to losartan therapy alone,life quality of patients also improved by the combination therapy.