title: Pharmacotherapy for heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction: beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers.
abstract: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers make up the cornerstone of therapy for patients with heart failure involving left ventricular dysfunction. These drug classes have been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, many patients remain symptomatic and experience disease progression despite taking both an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker. Others may be unable to tolerate one or both of these agents. In recent years, several other drug classes have been shown to provide additional morbidity and mortality benefits in patients with heart failure. These include angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), aldosterone antagonists, and the combination of isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine. To select the most appropriate drug therapy for patients with heart failure, clinicians should consider results from clinical trials in specific patient populations, adverse-event profiles, tolerability, cost, and dosing regimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. nick-norgard@ouhsc.edu
authors.forename: Nicholas B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Norgard
authors.forename: Jennifer E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Stark
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006830:Hydralazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011306:Prescription Fees; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D006830:Hydralazine; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate