Problems solved and lives saved? Chronic heart failure.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is common, disabling and deadly. Recent studies show that ACE inhibitors reduce morbidity and mortality in all grades of CHF and may even delay or prevent the onset of overt CHF in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. In this review, guidelines are given for how to use these drugs both in hospital and in general practice. New evidence on the benefits of digoxin is also considered, and the management of concomitant problems such as angina and arrhythmias in patients with CHF is discussed.