Combination pharmacologic therapies for heart failure: what next after angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers?
Author(s): Ibrahim OA, Dunlap ME Affiliation(s): Case Western Reserve University and Louis B. Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, 151W 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Publication date & source: 2005-08, Curr Heart Fail Rep., 2(2):89-93. Publication type: Review Although the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-adrenergic blockers has resulted in significant improvements in the management of heart failure (HF), morbidity and mortality remain high. Therefore, additional approaches have been sought to discover newer agents that might add incremental benefit. Although not all of these approaches have been successful, there have been some notable new approaches to therapy that have shown benefit or may be promising in terms of additional benefit. Most of these agents are targeted to achieve a more global neurohormonal blockade aiming to reduce or potentially reverse the ventricular remodeling process that occurs in HF.
Related Questions
- Should angiotensin receptor blockers be added to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure?
- Do angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prolong life in patients with heart failure treated in clinical practice?
- Should aspirin be used with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure?
