Changes in Early and Late Diastolic Filling Patterns Induced by Long-term Adrenergic β-Blockade in Patients With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

During the first 3 months of treatment, maximal effects on diastolic variables were reached, whereas the most prominent effect on systolic function was seen late in the study. It is suggested that effects on diastolic filling account for subsequent later myocardial systolic recovery. The E-wave deceleration time, which in recent studies has been shown to be a powerful predictor of survival, was significantly improved in the metoprolol-treated patients.