[Valsartan improves symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess efficacy of outpatient treatment of chronic heart failure with the angiotensin-receptor-blocker valsartan within guideline recommendations.


METHODS
The trial was conducted in Germany as an open label, multicentre, prospective trial including 1863 consecutive patients, enrolled by 829 physicians. Inclusion criteria correspond to guideline recommended treatment of chronic heart failure with valsartan. NYHA-classification, quality of life, blood pressure reduction and adverse events were evaluated within follow-up of 12 weeks.


RESULTS
NYHA-classification, quality of life and general condition improved after treatment with valsartan for 12 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased dependent on dosage used. Incidende of adverse events was 0.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm prior randomized, placebo controlled trials regarding improvement of heart failure symptoms by guideline recommended treatment with the angiotensin-receptor-blocker valsartan, even in an outpatient setting.
Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar.
M
M
Baumhäkel
U
U
Müller
M
M
Böhm
D000368:Aged; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003971:Diastole / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013599:Systole / Q000187:drug effects; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014633:Valine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068756:Valsartan
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D013777:Tetrazoles; D000068756:Valsartan; D014633:Valine