Key result
Recent randomized clinical trials have established the benefits of high-dose ACE inhibitors, ARBs for ACE-intolerant patients, digoxin, amiodarone, and beta-blockers in systolic heart failure.
Why the study?
What are the recent advances and benefits of various drug treatments in patients with systolic congestive heart failure?
What are the recent advances and benefits of various drug treatments in patients with systolic congestive heart failure?
This review summarizes key trial findings establishing the roles of high-dose ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, amiodarone, and beta-blockers in managing systolic heart failure.
Reinforces evidence-based use of these agents in systolic HF; leaves open questions on sequencing with contemporary therapies.
A number of important questions surrounding the treatment of systolic congestive heart failure have been answered by randomised clinical trials completed within the past 2 years. In particular, these studies have established that high-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is more beneficial than low dose therapy, and that angiotensin II receptor antagonists are an acceptable alternative in patients unable to tolerate ACE inhibitors. Digoxin has been shown to be the only inotropic agent not associated with increased mortality, while amiodarone exerts a modest survival benefit in arrhythmiaprone patients. Beta-blockers appear to be beneficial for selected patients although their precise role remains to be defined by ongoing studies.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
McAlister et al. (1998) conducted a review in systolic congestive heart failure. Drug treatment (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, amiodarone, beta-blockers) was evaluated. Recent randomized clinical trials have established the benefits of high-dose ACE inhibitors, ARBs for ACE-intolerant patients, digoxin, amiodarone, and beta-blockers in systolic heart failure.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: