title: Current treatment and future directions in heart failure.
abstract: Recent research in the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure has focused on the blockade of neurohormonal systems. Large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated morbidity and mortality benefits of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers. Indeed, all patients with heart failure should be treated with these agents unless there is a specific contraindication otherwise. Despite this treatment, however, mortality from heart failure remains high. Current investigation is now focused on other pathophysiological mechanisms and the interruption of these pathways.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Section, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1045, USA.
authors.forename: Gretchen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Little
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005544:Forecasting; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors