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Heart failure beta-blocker titration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCardiovascular TherapeuticsHeart failure beta-blocker titrationGPhC CRA

A 60-year-old man with heart failure has been prescribed bisoprolol 1.25mg once daily. He asks why the dose is much lower than his friend's dose for hypertension. He is clinically stable and not fluid overloaded. What monitoring is required?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — The dose is started low and titrated gradually in heart failure

Beta-blockers used in heart failure are initiated at a low dose and increased gradually if tolerated. This reduces the risk of worsening symptoms, bradycardia or hypotension. The patient should be advised to attend monitoring appointments and report dizziness, marked breathlessness or very slow pulse.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS