Why we need new strategies in CHF management.
Despite recent improvements in drug therapy, the prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) continues to rise, as a result of the increasing proportion of older people in the population and factors such as greater survival rates after myocardial infarction. More effective management strategies for CHF are therefore needed urgently. The angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1))-receptor blockers might contribute to such strategies, offering placebo-like tolerability and showing promise in early trials of their use in CHF. Large-scale outcome studies, currently underway, will provide further evidence of the value of AT(1)-receptor blockers in CHF. In addition, the involvement of specially trained nurses in patient education and monitoring should enhance compliance with both existing and novel therapies, and thus help to increase the overall efficacy of holistic strategies for CHF management.
McMurray
J
J
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. j.mcmurray@bio.gla.ac.uk
D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1
D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1