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Drug treatment for chronic systolic heart failure
1Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 45, Tuebingen, Germany. klaus.moerike@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Abstract:
Drug treatment of chronic systolic heart failure usually includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and a beta blocker, as prognostic benefit of these agents has been demonstrated in a large body of clinical trials. Depending on the stage of the disease and concomitant factors, an aldosterone antagonist and/or a digitalis glycoside may provide additional benefit. Most patients also receive a diuretic for symptomatic relief. Conversely, some drugs may precipitate or aggravate chronic systolic heart failure.
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