Beta blockade in patients with congestive heart failure. Why, who, and how.

In patients with CHF, physicians should aim to treat the LV dysfunction, not just the CHF symptoms. LV dysfunction is a chronic disease that is usually progressive, even when it seem compensated. The risk of sudden death or progressive CHF is very real. Adding a beta blocker to the treatment regimen while the disease is still compensated or after resolution of an acute exacerbation can stabilize or reverse the LV dysfunction and improve survival. Beta blockade is now a vital part of the standard of care for most patients with LV dysfunction.