title: [Do vasodilators help in chronic heart failure?].
abstract: The value of vasodilator drugs in the treatment of patients with chronic congestive heart failure is reviewed on the basis of the randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials so far published. Apparently, venous, or combined venous and arteriolar dilation in addition to cardiac glycosides and diuretics may produce long-term improvement in advanced stages of heart failure. Vasodilators with isolated afterload reducing properties seem to be of limited value. Long-term improvement with nitrates and alpha-receptor blocking agents is often modest, probably due to development of tolerance. The most striking results were observed with converting enzyme inhibitors: they evoke virtually no tolerance, improve haemodynamics at rest and during exercise, relieve symptoms of heart failure and are even suggested to reduce mortality.
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002216:Captopril / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004656:Enalapril / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D004656:Enalapril; D002216:Captopril
vernacular_title: Nützen Vasodilatatoren bei chronischer Herzinsuffizienz?