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Review: Effective Implementation of the New ESC Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Heart Failure in Routine Clinical Practice

Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Gothenburg, Sweden, karl.swedberg @hjl.gu.se

European guidelines for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) have been recently updated. Key changes include emphasis on CHF with preserved ejection fraction, and recognition of the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the management of CHF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction who remain symptomatic despite optimal therapy, or who are intolerant to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Recent trials that clearly demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits were integral to these new recommendations. Additionally, a high dose of an ARB, as demonstrated in the Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme, can significantly reduce hospitalisation for heart failure in these settings. The guidelines recommend that only those ARBs and doses used in clinical trials should be considered, taking into account current licensed indications. Clinicians who are directly involved in the management of CHF must play a key role in the dissemination of these guidelines to colleagues to ensure that optimal CHF management is integrated into standard practice.

Key Words: Heart failure • Candesartan • Guidelines • Angiotensin receptor blocker • Implementation

References

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Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Vol. 6, No. 2 suppl, S6-S10 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/14703203050060020301


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Swedberg, K. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Swedberg, K. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?