Sudden death in heart failure patients: effects of optimized medical therapy

Although medical therapy, particularly with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, has been demonstrated to prolong life in patients with chronic heart failure, the effect of standard medical therapy on sudden unexpected death in patients with heart failure is less well understood. Recent clinical trials have provided new insights into this growing problem. The impact of modern medical therapy for heart failure, including ACE inhibitors, beta-adrenergic antagonists, digoxin, calcium channel antagonists, and antiarrhythmic interventions will be discussed.