Valsartan in heart failure

Cohn J et al A randomized trial of the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan in heart failure. N Engl J Med 2002 345 1667. 

Abbreviations ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme CHARM, candesartan in heart failure assessment of reduction in mortality and morbidity ELITE, evaluation of losartan in the elderly HF, heart failure LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction Ml. myocardial infarction NYHA. New York Heart Association OFTIMAAL. optimal trial in myocardial infarction with angiotensin II antagonist losartan Val-HeFT, valsartan in heart failure trial VALIANT, valsartan in acute myocardial infarction trial. 

In an analysis of the Valsartan in Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT), focusing on chronic kidney disease, the benefits and harms of dual blockade of the RAAS have been explored [29. Compared with the addition of placebo to ACE inhibition, the addition of valsartan led to higher rates of discontinuation and hyperkalemia in those with chronic kidney disease at baseline. However, the authors argued that the overall benefits of combined therapy would outweigh the risks even in those with chronic kidney disease. 

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