The clinical efficacy of carvedilol on the treatment of chronic heart failure

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of carvedilol in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods Forty-six patients with CHF were randomly divided into carvedilol group (n=26) and control group (n=20) on the basis of standard therapy including digitalis, diuretics and ACEI. Before and after treatment, NYHA class, echocardiography and adverse reaction were observed. Results The mean dose of carvedilol was titrated to 25.14±3.05mg/day. After treatment, NYHA class was improved in both groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) measured by echocardiography reduced [(58.79±8.99)mm vs (64.68±10.12) mm,P0.05 ], left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased [(33.72±11.18)% vs (43.86±10.78)%,P0.01] in carvedilol group. The change of LVEDD and LVEF was significantly different between the two groups (P0.05 ). Adverse effects were seldom observed.Conclusions Based on the medication of digitalis, diuretics and ACEI, carvedilol has antiremodeling effects on the LV in patients with CHF and carvedilol is effective and safe.