Has beta-blocker use increased in patients with heart failure in internal medicine settings? Prognostic implications: RICA registry.

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Has beta-blocker use increased in patients with heart failure in internal medicine settings? Prognostic implications: RICA registry.

Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed). 2014 Mar;67(3):196-202

Authors: González-García A, Montero Pérez-Barquero M, Formiga F, González-Juanatey JR, Quesada MA, Epelde F, Oropesa R, Díez-Manglano J, Cerqueiro JM, Manzano L, RICA registry investigators

Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Underuse of beta-blockers has been reported in elderly patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prescription of beta-blockers in the internal medicine setting, and its association with morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients.
METHODS: The information analyzed was obtained from a prospective cohort of patients hospitalized for heart failure (RICA registry] database, patients included from March 2008 to September 2011) with at least one year of follow-up. We investigated the percentage of patients prescribed beta-blockers at hospital discharge, and at 3 and 12 months, and the relationship of beta-blocker use with mortality and readmissions for heart failure. Patients with significant valve disease were excluded.
RESULTS: A total of 515 patients were analyzed (53.5% women), with a mean age of 77.1 (8.7) years. Beta-blockers were prescribed in 62.1% of patients at discharge. A similar percentage was found at 3 months (65.6%) and 12 months (67.9%) after discharge. All-cause mortality and the composite of all-cause mortality and readmission for heart failure were significantly lower in patients treated with beta-blockers (hazard ratio=0.59, 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.84 vs hazard ratio=0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.83). This decrease in mortality was maintained after adjusting by age, sex, ejection fraction, functional class, comorbidities, and concomitant treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that beta-blocker use is increasing in heart failure patients (mainly elderly) treated in the internal medicine setting, and suggest that the use of these drugs is associated with a reduction in clinical events.

PMID: 24774394 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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