[Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in congestive heart failure: clinical practice guidelines].
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are, at present, the cornerstone of therapy for congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, international literature and regional data have reported their underutilisation in the practice of cardiology. Despite the abundance of consensus conferences, none deal specifically with a therapeutic strategy using ACE inhibitors. In this context, clinical practice guidelines on the management of systolic heart failure with ACE inhibitors have been drafted in Lorraine by hospital cardiologists. The guidelines were formulated using a standardised procedure, combining a literature analysis and the opinions of experts. Seventeen guidelines were finally adopted, under four headings: indications and contraindications for ACE inhibitors; dosages and approaches to treatment monitoring; the management of adverse effects; and contraindications for concomitant therapy. The drafting of the clinical practice guidelines is the first step in a quality improvement programme, initiated in 1999 in the cardiology wards of the region.
Thilly
Nathalie
N
Service d'Epidémiologie et Evaluation Cliniques (UPRES EA1124), Hôpital Marin, CHU Nancy, Nancy, France. n.thilly@chu-nancy.fr
Zannad
Faïez
F
Dufay
Edith
E
Juillière
Yves
Y
Briançon
Serge
S
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors