Pharmacotherapy for heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction: beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers

Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Jul;28(7):920-31. doi: 10.1592/phco.28.7.920.

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers make up the cornerstone of therapy for patients with heart failure involving left ventricular dysfunction. These drug classes have been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, many patients remain symptomatic and experience disease progression despite taking both an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker. Others may be unable to tolerate one or both of these agents. In recent years, several other drug classes have been shown to provide additional morbidity and mortality benefits in patients with heart failure. These include angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), aldosterone antagonists, and the combination of isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine. To select the most appropriate drug therapy for patients with heart failure, clinicians should consider results from clinical trials in specific patient populations, adverse-event profiles, tolerability, cost, and dosing regimens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / adverse effects
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydralazine / administration & dosage
  • Hydralazine / adverse effects
  • Hydralazine / therapeutic use*
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / administration & dosage
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / adverse effects
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / therapeutic use*
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Prescription Fees
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / complications
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Drug Combinations
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
  • Hydralazine
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate