Carvedilol and metoprolol are equally as effective at reducing mortality in heart failure patients

This study evaluated whether differences exist in carvedilol (Coreg) or metoprolol (Lopressor) treatment for high blood pressure.

Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood around the body. It is commonly caused by high blood pressure which can leave the heart too weak to pump blood efficiently. Drugs that are used to reduce high blood pressure include beta-blockers such as cervedilol and metoprolol. These drugs reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. However it is not known which drug possesses benefit over the other in reducing death associated with heart failure. 

This study was conducted on 6,026 HF patients treated with carvedilol and 5,638 treated with metoprolol. All patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤ 40%, i.e. 40% reduction in the volume of blood the heart pumps out at every heartbeat. The average age of the patients was 69.3 years, 71% were men and 51% were hospitalized upon diagnosis.

Over approximately 2.4 years of treatment, 18.3% of carvedilol patients and 18.8% metoprolol patients passed away. However, when other factors such as the social and economic status of the patients and the presence of comorbidities (additional medical conditions) were taken into account, the mortality difference was insignificant. 

This study found that there was no significant difference in mortality risk between carvedilol and metoprolol. 

This study was observational, meaning it took place in a real-life setting. Future clinical-based studies could potentially reveal a hidden benefit of one of these drugs over the other.

While both of these drugs show similar effectiveness on survival rate, other factors such as the presence of additional conditions and adverse effects should be discussed with your doctor when choosing a drug.