Comparison of the beta blocker bucindolol in younger versus older patients with heart failure

The elderly population in the Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial is a sicker cohort of patients characterized by increased duration of heart failure, more coronary artery disease, and higher mortality. Compared with younger patients, older patients with heart failure safely tolerate the beta blocker bucindolol with similar physiologic effects; advanced age should not be the sole reason for avoiding beta blockers in elderly patients with heart failure.