Problems solved and lives saved? Chronic heart failure

J McMurray1, M Francis

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.

The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in chronic heart failure (CHF). This review provides guidelines for using ACE inhibitors and discusses digoxin

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a prevalent and serious condition.
  • Left ventricular dysfunction can precede overt CHF symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the benefits of ACE inhibitors in CHF.
  • To provide guidelines for ACE inhibitor use in various settings.
  • To consider new evidence on digoxin and management of co-existing conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on ACE inhibitors.
  • Consideration of new evidence regarding digoxin.
  • Discussion of managing angina and arrhythmias in CHF patients.

Main Results:

  • ACE inhibitors reduce morbidity and mortality across all CHF grades.
  • ACE inhibitors may delay or prevent CHF in asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
  • New evidence on digoxin benefits is presented.

Conclusions:

  • ACE inhibitors are crucial for managing CHF.
  • Guidelines for ACE inhibitor use in hospital and general practice are provided.
  • Comprehensive management of CHF includes addressing concomitant conditions.

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