Evaluation of β-blockers dosage regimen rationality in heart failure patients

Abstract

Background: β-Blockers are often associated with further cardiac function deterioration, ledding to them being often underused/underdosed by certain physicians in heart failure treatment, although they were seen to be beneficial in decreasing the rates of mortality and morbidity, duration of hospitalization in HFrEF patients, but data on their benefits in HFmEF and HFpEF patients is limited. Objective was to evaluate rationality of β-blockers’ dosage regimen and its effectiveness in HF patients. Methods: 43 HF patients have been enrolled. Data were collected from the medication chart (dose, route, frequency); dosage regimen was evaluated and compared to that of ESC guidelines for HF treatment. Heart rates pre/post drug treatments, ejection fraction (at admission & post-discharge) were recorded; effectiveness was evaluated through heart rate control, reduction in: duration of hospitalization, rehospitalization and mortality rate. Post-discharge updates of the patients were obtained through out-patient consultation reports. Results: In All 43 patients dosage regimen of selected β-Blockers was found to be rational and following the ESC guideline for HF treatment. 65% of patients spent not more than 5 days in the hospital, 16% Re-hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases, and death rate was 4%. Conclusions: The dosage regimen of selected β-Blockers was found to be as per that of ESC-guidelines HF treatment. β-Blockers have also been found to have reduced: hospitalization stay, frequency of rehospitalization, and death rate among patients under study.