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Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is characterized by rapid (>300 beats a per minute), irregular electrical activation with variable electrocardiographic waveforms that prevents coordinated myocardial contraction, resulting in immediate loss of cardiac output.1 It most commonly occurs in the context of coronary artery disease.2,3 Resuscitation efforts are critically time-dependent: with each minute of untreated VF, the survival rate declines […]

Differential effects of adrenergic antagonists (Carvedilol vs Metoprolol) on parasympathetic and sympathetic activity: a comparison of clinical results

Heather L. Bloom, Aaron I. Vinik, Joe Colombo
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Published Online: Aug 10th 2018 Heart International 2014;9(1):15-21 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5301/HEART.2014.12496
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Abstract

Overview

Background. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is recognized as a significant health risk, correlating
with risk of heart disease, silent myocardial ischemia or sudden cardiac death. Beta-blockers are often prescribed
to minimize risk.
Objectives. In this second of two articles, the effects on parasympathetic and sympathetic activity of the alpha/
beta-adrenergic blocker, Carvedilol, are compared with those of the selective beta-adrenergic blocker, Metoprolol.
Methods: Retrospective, serial autonomic nervous system test data from 147 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
from eight ambulatory clinics were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to whether a beta-blocker was
(1) introduced, (2) discontinued or (3) continued without adjustment. Group 3 served as the control.
Results. Introducing Carvedilol or Metoprolol decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and discontinuing them
had the opposite effect. Parasympathetic activity increased with introducing Carvedilol. Sympathetic activity
increased more after discontinuing Carvedilol, suggesting better sympathetic suppression. With ongoing treatment,
resting parasympathetic activity decreased with Metoprolol but increased with Carvedilol.
Conclusion. Carvedilol has a more profound effect on sympathovagal balance than Metoprolol. While both suppress
sympathetic activity, only Carvedilol increases parasympathetic activity. Increased parasympathetic activity
may underlie the lower mortality risk with Carvedilol.

Keywords

Beta-blocker, Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, Heart rate variability, Patient outcomes, Respiratory analysis, Sympathovagal imbalance

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Article Information

Disclosure

Financial support: None.

Correspondence

Dr. Joe Colombo 240 South Eighth Street Philadelphia, PA, USA 19107 joe@ans-hrv.com

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