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Foundations of Pharmacotherapy for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Evidence Meets Practice, Part II

Colleen K McIlvennan1, Robert L Page

  • 1Colleen K. McIlvennan, DNP, ANP Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora. Robert L. Page II, PharmD, MSPH, FAHA, BCPS Professor, Clinical Specialist, Division of Cardiology, School of Pharmacy and Medicine,University of Colorado Skaggs, Aurora.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|March 31, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This review details pharmacologic treatments for systolic heart failure, focusing on beta-blockers, digoxin, and aldosterone antagonists. It covers their mechanisms, clinical trials, and practical applications for improved heart failure management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Established pharmacologic treatments for systolic heart failure (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) are guided by clinical trials.
  • Recent decades have seen therapies emerge targeting neurohormones, aldosterone, and catecholamines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review beta-blockers, digoxin, and aldosterone antagonists for heart failure treatment.
  • To discuss their mechanisms of action, supporting clinical trials, and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trials and guidelines.
  • Focus on specific drug classes: beta-blockers, digoxin, aldosterone antagonists.

Main Results:

  • These drug classes have demonstrated beneficial effects in managing heart failure.
  • Understanding their mechanisms is key to optimizing treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-blockers, digoxin, and aldosterone antagonists are crucial components of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure.
  • Part 2 of this series provides a comprehensive overview for clinical practice.

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