Pronounced improvement in systolic and diastolic ventricular long axis function after treatment with metoprolol

Background: Although it is well known that left ventricular (LV) function improves after treatment with beta-blockers in heart failure, little attention has been paid to the effects on LV long axis (LAX) function. Aims: To evaluate LV LAX function after treatment with metoprolol, and to assess whether LV LAX contractile reserve could predict future long-term improvement. Methods: Twenty-four heart failure patients were randomised to metoprolol or placebo for 6 months, followed by 6 months of open treatment with metoprolol. Rest and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed before and after each treatment period. Results: After treatment with metoprolol, LV LAX function improved significantly, systolic velocity from 29±8 to 32±15 mm/s, p