Clinical response to carvedilol in patients with severe cardiac failure

Aim. To assess clinical response to carvedilol in long-term treatment of ca rdiac failure (CF). Materials and methods. 34 patients with DF (NYHA functional class III-IV) w ere observed for 6 months. 25 of them received standard therapy combined wi th carvedilol. 9 patients received only standard therapy. Results. Carvedilol produced positive changes in the disease functional cla ss, left ventricular ejection fraction, stabilisation of echo-CG parameters and cardiothoracic index, resulted in prolongation of 6-min walk distance. Discontinuation of carvedilol therapy enhances CF symptoms. Conclusion. Long-term therapy with carvedilol inhibits CF progression.