What is the evidence of the effectiveness of beta-blockers for treating chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation?
One study was identified for inclusion within the review. The study consisted of an IPD meta-analysis which included data from 9 trials. The trials compared the effectiveness of beta-blockers with placebo in addition to usual care in people with chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The meta-analysis included 4 studies comparing carvedilol and placebo; 2 studies comparing metoprolol and placebo; 2 studies comparing bisoprolol and placebo and 1 study comparing nebivolol and placebo. All-cause mortality (9 studies; n=2666) was rated as moderate quality evidence, no clear effect was shown with the confidence interval ranging from a decrease and increase in all-cause mortality.