Objective:To compare the effects between carvedilol and atenolol in treating congestive heart failure of rat models

and to discuss the mechanism of carvedilol.Methods:8 weeks after partial ligating abdominal aorta

30 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:heart failure group(n=10)

carvedilol group(n=10) and atenolol group(n=10).Sham-operated group(n=10) were selected randomly as control.After 4 weeks of medical therapy

hemodynamic parameters and ventricular mass index were studied.Results:Compared with sham-operated group

all the hemodynamic parameters in heart failure group were deteriorated.In carvedilol and atenolol groups

heart rate(HR) and mean blood pressure(MBP) were decreased(P<0.01～0.05)

and left ventricular end -diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and -dp/dt max improved significantly(P<0.05).Besides

left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP) and +dp/dt max in carvedilol group were increased greatly(P<0.01～0.05)。In comparison with sham-operated group

left ventricular mass index(LVMI) and right ventricular mass index(RVMI) in heart failure group were increased by 19% and 30% respectively(P<0.01～0.05).Carvedilol decreased LVMI and RVMI

compared with heart failure group and atenolol group(P<0.01～0.05).Conclusion:Both carvedilol and atenolol can improve failing heart function.While atenolol mainly improves diastolic function

carvedilol has effect both on systolic and diastolic function

and it can protect against ventricular remodeling

which is of benefit for prognosis of heart failure.