Treatment gaps in the pharmacologic management of heart failure.
Chronic heart failure continues to increase in incidence and prevalence despite many pharmacologic advances over the previous decade. Morbidity and mortality remain high, with the number of hospitalizations for worsening heart failure in 1999 approaching 1 million. In addition to investigation of new therapies for the treatment of heart failure, attention must be placed on identifying effective methods for increasing the adoption of proven therapies. First, the potential barriers to implementation of evidence-based medicine must be recognized. Subsequently, strategies to overcome such barriers can be developed. Published guidelines may be helpful in educating practitioners on current standards of care. Other tools may also be considered, and testing the influence of such tools on the implementation of optimal therapy may help the scientific community better understand the factors that influence decision-making among clinicians.
Gheorghiade
Mihai
M
Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Gattis
Wendy A
WA
O'Connor
Christopher M
CM
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors