beta blocker

Beta blocker in heart failure

In initiating β-blocker therapy the following should be considered:

·        The initial dose should be low.

·        The dose should be slowly titrated upwards till target dose or maximum tolerated dose is achieved.

Contraindications include the following:

·        acute HF

·        bronchial asthma or severe chronic obstructive airway disease

·        symptomatic bradycardia or hypotension

·        second or third degree heart block without a pacemaker

·        a requirement for beta agonist therapy or positive inotropic support