Narrative Review: Pharmacotherapy for Chronic Heart Failure: Evidence from Recent Clinical Trials

  1. Andrew T. Yan, MD;
  2. Raymond T. Yan, MD; and
  3. Peter P. Liu, MD
  1. From St. Michael's Hospital, the Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, and Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    Abstract

    Heart failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical trials over the past 2 decades have revolutionized the care of patients with systolic heart failure, and substantial data support the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and aldosterone blockers in the management of this serious condition. This article reviews the evidence on the pharmacologic treatment of heart failure, with a focus on recent clinical trials.

    Article and Author Information

    • Grant Support: In part by grants from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Heart Failure Research Network, and Tailored Advanced Collaborative Training in Cardiovascular Science Partnership Programs of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr. Liu holds the Heart & Stroke/Polo Chair Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the University Health Network, University of Toronto. Dr. Andrew Yan is supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Canadian Heart Research Centre Fellowship Awards.

    • Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: None disclosed.

    • Requests for Single Reprints: Peter Liu, MD, Heart & Stroke/RL Centre of Excellence, NCSB 11-1266, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; e-mail, peter.liu{at}utoronto.ca.

    • Current Author Addresses: Drs. A. Yan and R. Yan: Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada.

    • Dr. Liu: Heart & Stroke/RL Centre of Excellence, NCSB 11-1266, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.

    Summary for Patients

    • Summaries for Patients:Wide Range of Drugs Now Available To Effectively Treat Chronic Heart Failure Ann Intern Med January 18, 2005 142:I-53
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    This Article

    1. Ann Intern Med January 18, 2005 vol. 142 no. 2 132-145
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