title: Pharmacologic management of heart failure caused by systolic dysfunction.
abstract: Heart failure caused by systolic dysfunction affects more than 5 million adults in the United States and is a common source of outpatient visits to primary care physicians. Mortality rates are high, yet a number of pharmacologic interventions may improve outcomes. Other interventions, including patient education, counseling, and regular self-monitoring, are critical, but are beyond the scope of this article. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers reduce mortality and should be administered to all patients unless contraindicated. Diuretics are indicated for symptomatic patients as needed for volume overload. Aldosterone antagonists and direct-acting vasodilators, such as isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, may improve mortality in selected patients. Angiotensin receptor blockers can be used as an alternative therapy for patients intolerant of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and in some patients who are persistently symptomatic. Digoxin may improve symptoms and is helpful for persons with concomitant atrial fibrillation, but it does not reduce cardiovascular or all-cause mortality. Serum digoxin levels should not exceed 1.0 ng per mL (1.3 nmol per L), especially in women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University ofMichigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. wchavey@umich.edu
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Chavey
authors.forename: Barry E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Bleske
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Harrison
authors.forename: Robert V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Hogikyan
authors.forename: Sean K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kesterson
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nicklas
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D006834:Hydrazines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C029424:hydrazine; D004077:Digoxin; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate