In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, carvedilol provides a mortality advantage over metoprolol succinate primarily due to which additional pharmacological property?
- A Alpha-1 receptor blockade ✓
- B Beta-1 receptor selectivity
- C Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
- D Nitric oxide potentiation
Correct answer: A. Alpha-1 receptor blockade
Explanation
Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker with additional alpha-1 receptor blocking activity. The alpha-1 blockade provides direct vasodilation, reducing afterload, which contributes to its survival benefit in heart failure. Metoprolol succinate is a selective beta-1 blocker without these vasodilating properties.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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