Abstract

KOMAJDA, Michel. Pharmacological management of heart failure: what is new?. Rev.Urug.Cardiol. [online]. 2017, vol.32, n.3, pp.312-320. ISSN 0797-0048.  https://doi.org/10.29277/ruc/32.3.12.

The management of chronic heart failure with low ejection fraction has changed considerably over the last thirty years: the introduction of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and of the ivabradine If blocker has led to a significant reduction in mortality and in heart failure mortality in this condition. More recently, a trial testing a dual inhibitor blocking the angiotensin-II receptor and neprylisin, the enzyme responsible for B type natriuretic peptide degradation showed that this complex molecule improved clinical outcomes compared to the ACE-inhibitor enalapril. However, challenges persist in the management of this condition with a suboptimal implementation of guidelines recommended therapies, a changing profile of heart failure patients who are older and have multiple comorbidities and a high rate of early rehospitalizations for heart failure. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a significant proportion of the heart failure population, remains a clinical dilemma: no pharmacological intervention has so far demonstrated any convincing benefit on outcomes. Heterogeneity of the populations tested, role of comorbidities, difficulties in identifying patients with HFpEF as well as a mismatch between the clinical phenotypes and the treatments tested are potential explanations of the failure to find beneficial interventions. Overall the management of heart failure after discharge remains fragmented and concerted actions of all professionals concerned are needed.

Keywords : Heart failure; Pharmacology.

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