Neurohormonal compensation plays an important role on the pathophysiologic aspects of congestive heart failure (CHF). There is recent clinical evidence that beta blocker is beneficial in selected patients. However, there is little information regarding the effect of beta blocker on elderly patients.

26 patients of CHF under stable condition by conventional management were selected and were divided into two age subgroup. Group 1 were more than 65 years (n=12) and group 2 were less than 65 years (n=14). From 12.5 to 25 mg/day of carvedilol was given according to the clinical condition. The left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular volume index (LVVI), ejection fraction (LVEF), E/A ratio and E wave deceleration time (EwDT) of mitral inflow doppler velocity were measured by echocardiographic examination before and 3 months after carvedilol trial. Six-minute walk distance were also measured.

Between before and after carvedilol treatment, there were significant decrease of LVVI and sign-ificant increase of EF in group I and group II. The EwDT and 6 minute walk distance of both group were also increased significantly after carvedilol trial. The delta EF of group I is smaller than group II (4.1±5.7 vs 9.7±10.0, p<0.05).

When compared to younger patients with CHF, the efficacy of carvedilol on LV function in aged patients was evident. Improved clinical conditions would be expected by using carvedilol in elderly patients with CHF.