[Usefulness of ARB in heart failure]

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is recommended as an alternative in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% intolerant of an ACE inhibitor. In these patients, an ARB reduces the risk of death from a cardiovascularcause or hospital admission for worsening heart failure. It is also recommended in patients with heart failure who remain symptomatic despite optimal treatment with an ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker. Treatment with an ARB improves ventricular function and patient well-being, and reduces hospital admission for worsening heart failure. In patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, although no treatment has yet been shown, convincingly, to reduce morbidity and mortality, adequate treatment of hypertension is important and ARB is considered to be able t o reduce the risk of admissionsfor heart failure.