[Medical treatment of chronic congestive heart failure].
Medical treatment in congestive heart failure has been largely improved during the last 15 years. Treatment of left ventricular systolic dysfunction using angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor is now confirmed in all NYHA classes, due to the important reduction in morbi-mortality. Betablockers have to be systematically associated in symptomatic classes. Among other drugs, only spironolactone has been shown efficient in severe NYHA classes. Diuretics in case of congestive symptoms, digoxin in order to reduce the frequency of hospitalization, and nitrates as adding therapy in severe classes may be also prescribed. However, treatment of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction remains under debate since up to date, no medication has shown a confirmed efficacy.
Juillière
Yves
Y
Département de cardiologie Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nancy-Brabois 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy. y.juillière@chu-nancy.fr
D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome