|
USCP
|
CIBIS II
|
MERIT-HF
|
Age (years) | 18–85 | 18–80 | 40–80 |
NYHA class | II–IV | III–IV | II–IV |
Duration of CHF (months) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Stability (weeks) | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Diuretic | Required | Required | Required |
ACE inhibitor | Required | Required | Required |
Digoxin | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Calcium antagonists | None | None6-151
| Rate limiting excluded |
Antiarrhythmic drugs | Classes Ic and III excluded6-152
| Only amiodarone permitted | Amiodarone excluded |
LVEF | ⩽0.35 | ⩽0.35 | ⩽0.40 |
6 minute walk | All (various criteria) | Not done | < 450 m if LVEF 0.36–0.40 |
Heart rate (beats/min) | 68 | 60 | 68 |
Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) | 85 | 100 | 100 |
Tolerability of β blocker (open label run in) | Required | Not required | Not required |
Target dose (mg) | 25/50 mg bid6-153
| 10 mg od | 200 mg od6-154
|