Betaxolol versus carvedilol in chronic heart failure (BETACAR study) - Rationale and design

The use of beta-blockers in heart failure for a long time was regarded as c ontra-indicated because of their negative inotropic effects. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that betablockers slow down the progression of le ft ventricular dilatation that characterizes heart failure. In addition cha nges in left ventricular ejection fraction after several months of betabloc ker treatment appears to have predictive value for survival. This beneficia l effect of beta-blockade in chronic heart failure needs to be assessed fur ther. The presumed benefit of beta-blockade with betaxolol (CAS 63659-18-7) , a highly selective beta-blocker with long duration of action in chronic h eart failure (CHF) will be assessed in BETACAR, a comparative study versus carvedilol (CAS 72956-09-3). The design of this study is provided in this a rticle.