[Ischemic heart failure].

Ischemic heart failure is induced by myocardial ischemia, which is probably the commonest cause of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Theoretically, there are two main strategies to treat the patients with ischemic heart failure; to retard progression of the dysfunction, and to relief and prevent myocardial ischemia. The management with angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor and beta-blocker improve the prognosis of ischemic heart failure by enhancing the left ventricular function and preventing coronary event. Spironolactone also seems to improve their prognosis. In contrast, treatments directed specifically at coronary arteries, such as antithrombotic agents and revascularization, have not been proven to be effective and safe to these patients yet. Large scale clinical trials are currently underway investigating the effect of treatment, such as aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel and revascularization which are targeted to the coronary syndrome.