Recent advances in the management of chronic heart failure

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review will provide an overview of the recent advances in the management of chronic heart failure, with special focus on major publications in the past 2 years, 2010-2011.

Recent findings: In the past 1-2 years, there have been a number of publications that promise to make a major difference in patient management and outcome in heart failure. These include two clinical trials in patients with less symptomatic heart failure, namely the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and eplerinone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, and another study using ivabradine, which belongs to a new class of If channel blocking drugs used for heart rate reduction in patients with moderate heart failure. The evolving role of telemedicine in remote management of patients with heart failure is reviewed.

Summary: New data demonstrate the benefit of CRT and aldosterone antagonists in milder heart failure, the benefit of ivabradine in moderate heart failure with heart rate of 70 or more, and the potential role of telemedicine.