[Digitalis, diuretic and vasodilator treatment of cardiac failure].

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors increase life expectancy in congestive heart failure, and they have thus changed the therapeutic strategy. The well tolerated highest daily dosage has to be used. Diuretics are often associated with vasodilators; however, they have to be administered at a minimal chronic daily dosage, in order to avoid deleterious neurohormonal effects. Digoxin keeps a great interest, as the unique positive inotropic agent without surmortality. Nitrates associated or not with hydralazine may show an additional interesting benefit. The role of other vasodilators, namely amlodipine and losartan, in the treatment of chronic heart failure remains to be defined. New vasodilators are in development and might further increase our therapeutic possibilities against congestive heart failure.