Changes in body composition in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction initiated on beta-blocker therapy.

BACKGROUND Increasing body mass index, cholesterol and body fat are associated with a better prognosis in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Beta-blocker usage is associated with changes in body composition and increased body fat. The present study investigated 12-month changes in body composition in patients with LVSD initiated on beta-blocker therapy. METHODS The relation between beta-blocker use and body composition was evaluated in 91 patients (75% male) with LVSD. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS Seventeen patients died during the study period. There was no statistical difference among beta-blocker usage, beta-blocker type, or changes in body fat, basal metabolic rate, impedance, fat-free mass, fat mass and total body water. There were no significant differences between any of these measures and beta-blocker usage. CONCLUSION After 12 months, changes in body composition were not found to be influenced by initiation of beta-blocker therapy in patients with LVSD.