Sustained release metoprolol succinate for patients with chronic heart failure

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of sustained release metoprolol succinate (short for metoprolol) for patients with chronic heart failure. Methods 71 stable patients with chronic heart failure were randomly divided into metoprolol group (n=36) and placebo (n=35), once daily metoprolol ( initial daily dose, 11.875mg, double every 2 weeks, target dose 95mg once daily) was given to metoprolol group. The heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd) and 6-min walking distance were observed. Results 2 months after the initiation of metoprolol treatment, dyspnea improved, heart rate reduced significantly(P< 0.05); 4 months after treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction and 6-min walking distance improved significantly (P<0.05 and P< 0.01) after 6 months; 6 months after treatment, left ventricular end diastolic diameter reduced significantly (P<0.05). In placebo group, heart rare reduced significantly (P<0.05) 4 months after treatment, 6 months after treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction and 6-min walking distance improved significantly (P<0.05), left ventricular end diastolic diameter reduced, but it was not significant (P0.05). Compared with placebo, composite end points (rehospitalization, cardiovascular mortality and total mortality) in metoproiol group reduced significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion Sustained release metoprolol succinate is effective mad safe for patients with chronic heart failure. Key words: Metoprolol;  Chronic heart failure;  Delayed-action preparations