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Survival improvement by beta-blocker treatment in patients with chronic heart failure appears to be related to the intermediate-term changes in left ventricular function. The therapeutic potential of beta blockade might be increased by early identification of patients in whom left ventricular function would deteriorate. We aimed at predicting the intermediate-term effect of bisoprolol on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Twenty-five patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure treated with bisoprolol were investigated. As a background, tailored therapy with digitalis, diuretics and vasodilators was given. Prediction of the 6-month (intermediate-term) effect of bisoprolol was investigated, using baseline values and short-term (1-month) changes of simple, noninvasive parameters obtained at rest and during maximal exercise. Multivariate analysis resulted in reliable predictions, there was close correlation between the observed and predicted changes of left atrial filling pressure (R = 0.87) and left ventricular ejection fraction (R = 0.74). The baseline value of left ventricular ejection fraction, short-term changes of the pulse amplitude and the double product proved independent predictors of intermediate-term changes of left ventricular ejection fraction. The baseline value of mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, heart rate, and increase in heart rate during maximal exercise were predictors of the intermediate-term changes in mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the intermediate-term effects of bisoprolol on left ventricular ejection fraction and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure can be predicted reliably by simple noninvasive variables in the early treatment phase.