[Ischemic vs nonischemic heart failure--does etiology matter?].

In most large scale trials the prognosis of ischemic heart failure is worse than in patients with non-ischemic etiology. The therapeutic effect of essential drugs such as ACE-inhibitors, betablockers and diuretics is similar, but response to some other drugs (amiodarone, amlodipine, digoxin, growth hormone) is better in non-ischemic heart failure. Of great practical importance is the recognition of hibernating myocardium in coronary artery disease, since revascularisation may significantly improve left ventricular function. Specific therapeutic interventions are possible in hypertensive heart disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy and LV-dysfunction to tachyarrhythmias. The etiology of heart failure should therefore be cleared in all patients.