Treatment of acute and chronic heart failure.

Heart failure is a common, costly, and generally fatal condition that most often results from coronary artery disease or hypertension. All patients with heart failure need education about the importance of sodium restriction and daily weight monitoring. Most patients with heart failure require combination therapy that includes a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, a beta-blocker, and digoxin. Selected patients may benefit from alternative or additional medications, such as anticoagulants in individuals with atrial fibrillation or ARBs in those who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitor therapy. Investigational medications and devices for heart failure are under active study.