Overview
Beta-blockers improve clinical outcomes in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); but not in those with preserved EF. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a prognostic factor independent of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In a retrospective with 1969 patients with HF and LVEF of ≥40%, beta-blocker was associated with improved survival in those with low GLS (GLS <14%), but not in those with GLS ≥14%. In this prospective, randomized clinical study, the investigators will assess the effect of slow-release carvedilol in patients with HFpEF and hypertension. The primary endpoint is the time-averaged proportional changes in NT-proBNP level and GLS change from baseline to month 6.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- age ≥20 yrs
- symptomatic HFpEF with LVEF≥50%
- NT-proBNP ≥220 pg/ml (sinus rhythm) or ≥660 pg/ml(AF) (BNP ≥80 pg/ml (sinus rhythm) or ≥240 pg/ml(AF) )
- SBP≥140mmHg and/or DBP ≥90mmHg, or if taking anti-hypertensive medication, SBP ≥110mmHg.
- LAVI≥29(sinus rhythm)/34ml/m2 (AF) or LVMI≥115(male)/95(female) g/m2
- meet one the following
- Average E/e'≥ 9
- Septal e' < 7 cm/s
- Lateral e' <10 cm/s
- TR velocity > 2.8 m/s
- PASP > 35 mmHg
- GLS < 16%
Exclusion Criteria:
- systolic blood pressure < 110 mmHg, or heart rate < 60 beats/min
- contra-indication to beta-blockers
- creatinine> 2.4mg/dL
- amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction, severe aortic or mitral valve disease, acute coronary syndrome, Cerebrovascular event within 6 months, PCI within 3 months before
- AST/ALT >3 x normal upper range