title: Drug therapy in chronic heart failure.
abstract: Chronic heart failure is widely recognised as a common and escalating problem that causes major disability and often shortens life. Diuretics and digoxin have formed the mainstay of treatment for many years. Clinical trials have demonstrated that angiotensin converting enzymes and beta-blockers, in selected patients, improve symptoms and reduce mortality. Angiotensin-II antagonists and spironolactone may also have a role in certain individuals. Newer pharmacological approaches to the management of this complex disease are being developed, but await full evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK. dan.mckenzie@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cowley
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D013148:Spironolactone; D004077:Digoxin