Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
08:34
Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat
Published on: November 18, 2018
Treating hypertension in patients with left ventricular dysfunction: hitting the fairway and avoiding the rough
Samuel W Joffe1, Robert A Phillips
1University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. Samuel.joffe2@umassmemorial.org
Current Heart Failure Reports
|April 9, 2013
Summary
For patients with left ventricular dysfunction, a target blood pressure of 120-140/70-90 mm Hg is suggested. Lower blood pressure goals may be preferable if tolerated by the patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary risk factor for heart failure (HF).
- Current guidelines lack specific blood pressure (BP) targets for patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
- Optimal BP targets for HF patients with LV dysfunction remain undefined by randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence and define optimal blood pressure goals for patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
- To address the clinical question of target BP in patients with established LV dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of factors influencing hypertension management in heart failure patients.
- Consideration of HF type (reduced vs. preserved ejection fraction), etiology, symptom severity, and patient-specific factors.
Main Results:
- No RCTs specifically define optimal BP targets for HF patients with LV dysfunction.
- Numerous trials support the benefits of certain medication classes and treatment strategies in HF.
- A suggested target BP range of 120-140/70-90 mm Hg is proposed for most patients with LV dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- A BP target of 120-140/70-90 mm Hg is recommended for patients with LV dysfunction.
- Lower BP targets should be considered when clinically tolerated.
- Individualized treatment strategies are crucial for managing hypertension in HF patients with LV dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.