Dispelling the myth: Incorporating β-blockers into practice guidelines

Compelling data from multiple clinical trials have revealed a significant reduction in mortality risk among heart failure patients who are treated with β-blockers. The magnitude of the benefit is 30% to 35%, and the data have indicated a reduction of at least 35% to 40% in the risk of death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The message contained in those data has yet to be heard by many physicians in clinical practice. Underuse of β-blockers as heart failure therapy remains a major obstacle to improved treatment. The rationale for use of β-blockers in the treatment of heart failure is at least as sound as the justification for use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The weight of the clinical evidence has created a mandate for prescribing β-blockers for the vast majority of stable class II or III heart failure patients.