[CHARM study--new strategy for the treatment of heart failure]

Abstract

CHARM (candesartan in heart failure assessment of reduction in mortality and morbidity) is the largest trial program in chronic heart failure. To elucidate the effect of candesartan on various symptomatic chronic heart failure, the randomization protocol was used in 3 separate trial arms: 2028 with LVEF < 40% who could not tolerate ACE inhibitors; 2548 with LVEF < 40% who already were taking ACE inhibitor; and 3023 with LVEF > 40%. The overall mortality benefit of the candesartan was better than placebo. In the 2 trial arms that included patients with LVEF < 40%, incidence of the mortality and hospitalization was significantly lower with candesartan than with placebo. It may be the new evidence of angiotensin receptor blocker on 3 other types of heart failure.