Journal of General Internal Medicine
Lauren Gilstrap, Andrea M Austin, A James O’Malley, Barbara Gladders, Amber E Barnato, Anna Tosteson, Jonathan Skinner
Background
The demographics of heart failure are changing. The rate of growth of the “older” heart failure population, specifically those≥ 75, has outpaced that of any other age group. These older patients were underrepresented in the early beta-blocker trials. There are several reasons, including a decreased potential for mortality benefit and increased risk of side effects, why the risk/benefit tradeoff may be different in this population.
Objective
We aimed to determine the association between receipt of a beta-blocker after heart failure discharge and early mortality and readmission rates among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), specifically patients aged 75+.