Beta blockers use in cardiac failure

Traditionally, beta blockers were perceived to be contraindicated in the treatment of congestive heart failure. This was due to the negative inotropic properties of beta blockers. Recent evidence through extensive research and clinical trials, however, has shown that the administration of beta blockers in certain categories of cardiac failure has tremendous therapeutic benefits. Beta blockers have now become part of the recognised treatment guidelines and regimens for cardiac failure. The perceived risks associated with beta blockers use in heart failure which include worsening of the condition are taken care of by administering the agents under expert supervision and employing a stepwise dose escalating approach. This is the approach whereby there is the initiation of therapy starting with a very low dose of the beta blocker and increasing the dose on a weekly or fortnightly basis until the optimum dose is attained. It gives the patient the chance to tolerate the adverse effects of the drug and maximise on the benefits. Medical students and health practitioners will find this book useful.