Should angiotensin receptor blockers be added to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been the cornerstone of treatment of heart failure. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) remain an attractive alternative in heart failure patients intolerant of ACE inhibitors. The addition of ARBs to ACE inhibitors in the context of stable heart failure may lead to additional clinical benefits. This is in contrast to heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction, in which it does not offer any therapeutic advantage.
Ghanem
Firas A
FA
Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Movahed
Assad
A
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors