Beta-blockers in chronic heart failure in elderly patient

Abstract

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common and disabling condition with morbidity and mortality that increase dramatically with advancing age. There are evidences, from both randomized trials and observational studies, that suggest that beta-blockers are effective and well tolerated in elderly as well as in young patients. Nonetheless in clinical practice they are substantially underutilized in elderly patients. The article underlines peculiarities of chronic heart failure treatment with beta-blockers in elderly patients, with a review of the most important published trials.