ACE inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure
Held, P.; Swedberg, K.
Nordisk Medicin 105(8-9): 217-218
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-1420 PMID: 2216686 Document Number: 364521
Cardiac insufficiency is a clinical syndrome which presents several distinctive findings but is nevertheless difficult to define both clinically and in the scientific literature. In this article we maintain that cardiac insufficiency is a clinical condition characterized by symptomatic fluid retention on a cardiac basis, combined with signs of impaired pumping in the form of reduced capacity and/or other organic effects such as reduced renal function. The renin-angiotensin system is of cardinal importance once cardiac insufficiency is established and ACE inhibition is of essential significance for the treatment. It is not yet clear whether it is possible to prevent the onset of cardiac insufficiency in patients at high risk thereof. Current studies may answer this question.