Investigation of the efficacy of beta-blockers and reninangiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of beta-blockers (BBs) and renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors in chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: 100 patients with HFpEF admitted to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, China, between April and June  2023 were stratified into five groups. Beta-blocker (BB) group received bisoprolol, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) group  received benazepril hydrochloride, angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) group received candesartan, angiotensin receptor neprilysin  inhibitor (ARNI) group received sacubitril valsartan, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) group received spironolactone.  Differences in clinical effectiveness, six-minute walking distance (6MWD), cardiac functionality, quality of life, and survival rate were  compared among the groups. Results: Beta-blocker group showed the highest efficacy. After treatment, all groups except MRA showed  significant improvement in 6MWD. Also, ACEI, ARB, and ARNI groups exhibited significantly longer 6 MWD than MRA group (p < 0.05). Left  ventricular ejection fraction levels showed significant improvement in the ACEI, ARNI, and MRA groups (p < 0.05), while pulmonary  artery pressure (PAP) decreased in the BB, ACEI, ARNI, and MRA groups (p < 0.05). After treatment, the Minnesota Living with Heart  Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores of BB, ACEI, ARB, and ARNI groups were significantly lower than before treatment (p < 0.05). All five  groups significantly exhibited decline in NTproBNP levels after treatment (p < 0.05). However, at 18-month follow-up, there was no  significant difference in survival rates among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Beta-blockers (BBs) and RAAS inhibitors show promising  activity in HFpEF, bisoprolol enhances cardiac function, benazepril improves symptoms, candesartan aids exercise and sacubitril valsartan  elevates cardiac class. However, none of these drugs significantly improves clinical outcomes.