title: Therapy for congestive heart failure in the late 20th century.
abstract: Ten to 15 years ago, the thrust of research in the treatment of congestive heart failure centered around finding new inotropic agents. While initially useful, these agents given chronically actually accelerated left ventricular failure and were associated with excess mortality. Recently, it has been learned that altering the body's response to heart failure is more beneficial compared to attempts to stimulate left ventricular inotropic function. Such altering of the neurohumoral responses to heart failure has been associated with improvements in both morbidity and mortality.
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Maxwell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jain
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D004077:Digoxin