Beta-blockers in the treatment of heart failure patients, according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, 2021

The introduction of blockers of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-blockers – BB) in the clinical practice during the second half of XX century discovered new opportunities in the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases. They rapidly have found their place in the treatment of ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension. At the end of XX and the beginning of XXI century many new evidences have appeared favoring their use in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction – HFrEF). The treatment with BB has shown a beneficial effect regarding death and hospitalization reduction, and improving their quality of life, as well. This year the new 2021 European Society of cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure have been issued. According to them, BB again have a key role in the treatment of HF patients. The aim of this review is to address their role in details in this condition.