β-Blocker therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Importance of dose and duration

Heart failure is currently a social welfare and economic burden. In particular, the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has increased and is currently equal to that of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Prognosis of HFrEF has improved in the past two decades, because many clinical studies have revealed the effectiveness of several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for HFrEF patients, one of which is β-blockers. In contrast, there is no established therapeutic intervention to provide beneficial effects on HFpEF, and mortality and morbidity of HFpEF are currently as poor as those of HFrEF. This review will discuss β-blockers from a standpoint of therapeutic strategy for HFpEF.