title: [Angiotensin receptor antagonists and ACE inhibitors in heart failure: alternative or combined therapies?].
abstract: The theoretical advantages of the angiotensin II receptors blockers (ARB) are slowly but progressively becoming a reality for patients with congestive heart failure. ARB are recommended in patients who cannot take ACE inhibitors as a plausible alternative for modulating the renin angiotensin system. After the recently published Val-HeFT trial, the addition of an ARB (valsartan) can be considered in patients who remain severely symptomatic despite optimal therapy in order to reduce hospitalization for heart failure and improve symptoms particularly if the patients cannot tolerates beta-blockers. Among patients with type 2 diabetes and no clinical signs of congestive heart failure ARB (losartan) are able to reduce the probability of developing congestive heart failure.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Cardiologia, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rapezzi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perugini
mesh_terms: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
vernacular_title: Antagonisti recettoriali dell'angiotensina e Ace inibitori nello scompenso cardiaco: terapie alternative o di associazione?