title: From left ventricular dysfunction to heart failure.
abstract: Although there is undoubtedly a link between ventricular dysfunction and heart failure the interrelationship is complex. Most patients with left ventricular dysfunction die before progression to heart failure. Heart failure is not preceded by a period of chronic left ventricular dysfunction for the large number of patients who develop heart failure soon after a myocardial infarction. Atrial fibrillation and myocardial ischaemia/infarction need to be considered as mechanisms of progression as well as left ventricular remodelling. ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, but not diuretics or digoxin, may alter progression to and of heart failure. Potential adverse effects of aspirin on prognosis in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease are cause for considerable concern.
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cleland
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000925:Anticoagulants; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors