Programme to improve the use of beta-blockers for heart failure in the elderly and in those with severe symptoms: results of the BRING-UP 2 Study.

Background: Beta-blockers are underused in HF patients, thus strategies to implement their use are needed.

Objectives: To improve beta-blocker use in elderly and/or patients with severe heart failure (HF) and to evaluate safety and outcome.

Methods: Patients with symptomatic HF and age>/=70 years or left ventricular EF<25% and symptoms at rest were enrolled, including those already on beta-blocker treatment.

A low pulse pressure is an independent predictor of mortality in heart failure: data from a large nationwide cardiology database (IN-CHF Registry).

Background: A high pulse pressure (PP) predicts cardiovascular mortality in hypertension and in the elderly. We analyzed the data from the Italian Network of Congestive Heart Failure Registry to test the prognostic role of PP in patients with heart failure.

Methods: A total of 8660 patients with heart failure (mean age 64 +/- 12 years, 73% male) were divided into four groups according to their PP (< 40, 40-49, 50-59, and > or = 60 mmHg), and followed prospectively.

Gadolinium cardiovascular magnetic resonance predicts reversible myocardial dysfunction and remodeling in patients with heart failure undergoing beta-blocker therapy.

Background: In some patients with heart failure, beta-blockers can improve left ventricular (LV) function and reduce morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can predict reversible myocardial dysfunction and remodeling in heart failure patients treated with beta-blockers.

Methods And Results: Forty-five patients with chronic heart failure underwent CMR.

The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of heart failure.

Heart failure has emerged as one of the most pressing health care issues in the United States. It is estimated that 4.8 million people have chronic heart failure, and approximately 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.