Blunted beta-adrenoceptor-mediated inotropy in valvular cardiomyopathy: another piece of the puzzle in human aortic valve disease.

Our study indicates that in vitro myocardial contractility testing can quantify beta-AR dysfunction in patients with AV disease. We found a significant association between reduced beta-AR sensitivity and increased LV diameter, which may indicate a role of beta-AR dysfunction in the development of heart failure in patients with AV disease.