Effect of beta-blocker therapy in elderly patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether beta-blocker therapy can be safely administered to and improve cardiac function of elderly patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Echocardiography and measurement of the concentrations of natriuretic peptides were carried out in 67 patients with DCM before and after 6 months of beta-blocker therapy: 20 patients >/=65 years of age (older group); 47 <65 years of age (younger group). In all patients, beta-blocker was safely administered and well tolerated. There was no significant difference in the dose of beta-blocker between 2 groups. A reduction in the left ventricular dimensions and an associated increase in ejection fraction occurred in both treatment groups. The beta-blocker treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of natriuretic peptides in both groups. In conclusion, beta-blocker therapy is well-tolerated and has similar effects on cardiac function in older and younger patients with DCM.