Effects of bisprolol on cardiac function and exercise in patients with heart failure

Objective: To assess the effects of bisoprolol on exercise capacity and ventricular function in patients with heart failure. Methods: Clinical and hemodynamic variables, ventricular function and remodeling, and ergospirometry of patients with heart failure of different etiologies were evaluated before and after the administration of bisoprolol. Results: Twenty-two patients were analyzed; one patient did not tolerate medication and 14 patients reached the study goal. The group consisted of 9 men and 5 women, the mean age was 52 (36-64) years, and patients were followed during 551 days (238-1109). We observed an improvement in NYHA functional class, reduction in resting heart rate (78.8 +/- 8.7 vs 63 +/- 6.4 bpm, p <0.001), increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (31.3 +/- 8.5% vs 39 +/- 14.7%. p=0.043), and a tendency towards improved quality of life scores (31 +/- 20.6 vs 17.8 +/- 14.8. p=0.058). The maximum heart rate dropped during exercise (138.1 +/- 20.2 vs 116.7 +/- 27.1. p=0.01), as did peak oxygen consumption (20.9 +/- 6.8 vs 15.1 +/- 3.5. p < 0.001); no change was observed on the EV/VCO2 slope. The effects were observed for all etiologies, including Chagas' disease. Conclusion: Bisoprolol was safe and well tolerated in patients with heart failure. Bisoprolol therapy improved the symptoms, hemodynamic variables, as well as the cardiac function for all etiologies; however it did not result in improved exercise capacity.