This article demonstrates conclusively that systemic vasodilator therapy is an important new medical treatment for acute and chronic heart failure. Initially, vasodilators were used only when digitalis and diuretics could not adequately treat congestive heart failure. Now many clinicians view the vasodilators as equal or even better alternatives than digitalis and diuretics. There is no doubt that vasodilator therapy is one of the major advances in the treatment of heart failure.