[Aldosterone receptor blockade after acute myocardial infarction with heart failure].
BACKGROUND
Based on the RALES study, in patients with moderate to severe chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular function, the nonselective aldosterone antagonist spironolactone has a well-established role in combination with ACE inhibition, beta-blockade and diuretics. This indication was recently reinforced by the guideline for chronic heart failure therapy of the German Cardiac Society, although there is no formal approval for spironolactone for this indication in Germany.
Heart failure after acute myocardial infarction represents a new indication for aldosterone receptor blockade. In the EPHESUS trial of patients with acute myocardial infarction, reduced ejection fraction, and clinical signs of heart failure, the selective aldosterone antagonist eplerenone in combination with ACE inhibition and beta-blockade significantly reduced mortality. The best benefit was achieved by early treatment, i. e., starting 3-7 days post myocardial infarction. In addition, as early as after 30 days, eplerenone-treated patients had significantly reduced mortality and hospitalization. Eplerenone was approved for the indication heart failure after acute myocardial infarction in late 2004 in Germany.


OBJECTIVE
The present review summarizes the pathophysiological basis, the experimental and clinical trials that constitute the rationale for therapy with aldosterone antagonists in patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Tips for use in clinical practice are given which allow to profit from the effective potential for mortality and morbidity reduction of aldosterone receptor blockade and to minimize the risk of serious hyperkalemia.
Bauersachs
Johann
J
Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg. bauersachs_j@medizin.uni-wuerzburg.de
Ertl
Georg
G
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000077545:Eplerenone; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D013148:Spironolactone; D000077545:Eplerenone