Donors congestive heart failure

Artificial Hearts. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common cause of disabiHty and death. It is estimated that three to four million Americans suffer from this condition. Medical therapy in the form of inotropic agents, diuretics (qv), and vasofilators is commonly used to treat this disorder (see Cardiovascularagents). Cardiac transplantation has become the treatment of choice for medically intractable CHF. Although the results of heart transplantation are impressive, the number of patients who might benefit far exceeds the number of potential donors. Long-term circulatory support systems may become an alternative to transplantation (5). 

The pharmacological mechanisms of action of NO donors that contribute to their benefit in coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension are listed in Table 11.1. These actions can be grouped into five categories vasodilation, decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption, improvement in hemodynamic performance,... 

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