Heart failure. New treatment options.

Heart failure is still not well treated and the published information concerning treatment options has been slow in filtering through to general practitioners. Once a diagnosis of heart failure is made, treatment should begin with an angiotensin converting inhibitor. The dose should be increased relatively quickly. Diuretics and digoxin can be added if there is oedema. If this does not result in adequate improvement, other vasodilators or beta-blockers can be added. Other forms of therapy including antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants and surgery are discussed.