Humana HealthBeat Transcript Archive

Heart failure affects more than 4 and a half million Americans; each year 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with this condition. Heart failure and related illnesses kill more than 250,000 people each year.

Over the past years, we've learned that certain treatments can prolong the life and function of people with heart failure. Now a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that the addition of another drug can improve the odds even more.

The researchers recruited more than 3900 men and women with heart failure who were already receiving what is considered best treatment for heart failure, such as a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors combined with diuretics, or water pills. They then divided the patients into two groups. An extra medication, metropolol CR/XL, which belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers, was given to one group, while the other group was given a placebo, or sugar pill.

At the end of the study, the group given the beta blocker had the best results. There were less deaths and hospitalizations overall in this group, as well as less death or hospitalization due to heart failure in particular. Heart function and symptoms of heart failure also improved in the beta blocker group compared to the group given placebo. In fact, the results were so clearly positive, the study was stopped at the halfway point.

The researchers concluded that for selected patients, treatment with single dose metropolol, added to standard therapy improves survival, reduces hospitalizations due to heart failure, improves symptoms, and increases well-being.

Like any treatment, it only helps if it's used. People with heart failure should speak with their doctor about this new study, but in the meantime, continue to take their current medications and follow their physician's recommendations.

March 13
Beta Blocker Research
	Heart failure affects more than 4 and a half million Americans; each year 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with this condition. Heart failure and related illnesses kill more than 250,000 people each year. Over the past years, we've learned that certain treatments can prolong the life and function of people with heart failure. Now a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that the addition of another drug can improve the odds even more. The researchers recruited more than 3900 men and women with heart failure who were already receiving what is considered best treatment for heart failure, such as a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors combined with diuretics, or water pills. They then divided the patients into two groups. An extra medication, metropolol CR/XL, which belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers, was given to one group, while the other group was given a placebo, or sugar pill. At the end of the study, the group given the beta blocker had the best results. There were less deaths and hospitalizations overall in this group, as well as less death or hospitalization due to heart failure in particular. Heart function and symptoms of heart failure also improved in the beta blocker group compared to the group given placebo. In fact, the results were so clearly positive, the study was stopped at the halfway point. The researchers concluded that for selected patients, treatment with single dose metropolol, added to standard therapy improves survival, reduces hospitalizations due to heart failure, improves symptoms, and increases well-being. Like any treatment, it only helps if it's used. People with heart failure should speak with their doctor about this new study, but in the meantime, continue to take their current medications and follow their physician's recommendations.

	What causes heart failure? Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood through the body. Heart failure is usually a condition caused by another underlying problem, such as coronary artery disease. Diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure. Other heart problems, like disease of the heart valves and infections, can also lead to heart failure. References and Resources: JAMA.2000; 283: 1295-1302 http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v283n10/full/joc92053.html Congestive Heart Failure in the United States: A New Epidemic National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/CHF.htm Facts About Heart Failure National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/hrtfail.htm Living with Heart Failure Information and Support for Patients and Caregivers American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/chf