Early intervention in heart failure

Treatment for patients with congestive heart failure is primarily directed at reducing symptoms and improving functional capacity. In patients with moderate to severe heart failure, therapeutic interventions incorporating diuretics, digoxin and selected vasodilators, specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are designed to correct pathophysiological mechanisms such as left ventricular dysfunction, excessive vasoconstriction and renal reabsorption of sodium and water. Physician-investigators are turning their attention to identifying and treating patients early in the course of their disease. Vasodilator therapy in patients with mild symptoms of heart failure may not only improve exercise performance, but also reduce mortality. In addition, recent studies have suggested that ACE inhibitors may prevent progression of disease in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. It is hoped that ongoing research will demonstrate that early identification and treatment of these patients may prevent development of symptoms and improve survival.