[Effect of beta-blockers metoprolol CR/XL and carvedilol on left ventricular contractility in patients with chronic low cardiac output].

Aim: To compare effects of metoprolol CR/XL and carvedilol on global and regional contractility of the left ventricle in patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF).
Material and Methods: The results of two trials were compared: the effects of metoprolol CR/XL and on carvedilol left ventricular contractility in patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF). A total of 52 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) entered the studies. Of them, the treatment was completed in 19 and 20 patients, respectively. Ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes were measured at radionuclide ventriculography before and 6 months after the start of the treatment.
Results: Both beta-blockers significantly increased EF and reduced the volumes. In both groups the rise of contractility in EF < 30% was similar. EF augmentation in patients with DCMP was greater than that in patients with IHD and depended on improvement of segmental contractility.
Conclusion: Significant differences were not found in the action of two beta-blockers on global and regional contractility of the left ventricle in patients with CCF.