Loading...
In patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), β-blockers lower morbidity and mortality, but whether these benefits are affected by age or sex is uncertain. To explore this issue, industry-supported researchers conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient data from 11 randomized placebo-controlled trials in nearly 14,000 patients (age range, 40–80; 24% women) who had HF with LVEF <45% and were in sinus rhythm at baseline. Median follow-up was 1.3 years.
Compared with placebo, β-blockers significantly lowered relative risk for all-cause death across all age subgroups, by about 25% to 35%. Absolute reduction in mortality was 4.3% (number needed to treat, 23). No significant interactions were noted…