Meta-Analysis of Combined Therapy with Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists versus ACE Inhibitors Alone in Patients with Heart Failure

Authors: Andrea Kuenzli, Heiner C. Bucher, Inder Anand, Gregory Arutiunov, Leo C. Kum, Robert McKelvie, Rizwan Afzal, Michel White, Alain J. Nordmann

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009946

Abstract Summary

Combining ARBs with ACE inhibitors in heart failure patients reduces hospitalizations for heart failure by 19% but doesn’t lower overall mortality or all-cause hospitalization. This analysis of 18,061 patients found combination therapy increases risks of kidney dysfunction and low blood pressure. Researchers recommend reserving this approach for symptomatic patients on ACE inhibitors alone, with careful monitoring.

Why Brain? 🧠

Adding ARBs to ACE inhibitors in heart failure reduces heart failure hospitalizations but doesn’t lower mortality and increases adverse effects like kidney problems and low blood pressure.

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