title: Foundations of Pharmacotherapy for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Evidence Meets Practice, Part I.
abstract: Pharmacologic treatment for systolic heart failure, otherwise known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, has been established through clinical trials and is formulated into guidelines to standardize the diagnosis and treatment. The premise of pharmacologic therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is aimed primarily at interrupting the neurohormonal cascade that is responsible for altering left ventricular shape and function. This is the first in a series of articles to describe the pharmacologic agents in the guidelines that impact the morbidity and mortality associated with heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and vasodilators will be presented in the context of the mechanism of action in heart failure, investigational trials that showed beneficial effects, and the practical application for clinical use.
authors: Sara Paul DNP, FNP, FAHA, CHFN Director, Heart Function Program, Catawba Valley Cardiology, Conover, North Carolina. Robert L. Page II, PharmD, MSPH, FAHA, BCPS Professor, Clinical Specialist, Division of Cardiology, School of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Colorado Skaggs, Aurora.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Paul
authors: Robert L
authors: RL
authors: Page
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents