Rev Esp Cardiol
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The evidence supporting the use of beta-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of heart failure secondary to systolic dysfunction is reviewed. Up to date, seven controlled trials of carvedilol in patients with heart failure have been published. ⋯ It seems logical to wait for the results of the ongoing trials (BEST Trial, CIBIS II Trial, COMET Trial, and MERIT Trial) to more precisely define the role that beta-adrenergic blockers should play in the treatment of patients with heart failure. The information presently available suggests that carvedilol should be considered a therapeutic agent for the prevention of progressive clinical heart failure rather than for the treatment of refractory heart failure.