Effect of Heart Failure Program on Cardiovascular Drug Utilization and Dosage in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract

SummaryBackground: Utilization and dosage of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remain low. Recent data suggest that care of patients with CHF in specialized heart failure programs is associated with improved clinical outcomes.Hypothesis: Specialized heart failure care is associated with better utilization and higher dose of cardiovascular drugs.Methods: Data from 133 patients with CHF referred to a heart failure program were analyzed. Mean functional class

I Diretriz Latino-Americana para avaliação e conduta na insuficiência cardíaca descompensada

“…The programs of HF clinics increase the use and doses of recommended medications 355,356 . HF is the most common cause of hospitalization in patients >65 years, who also have a high Care in the traditional home Care in the multidisciplinary home Association of Clinics and Monitoring Methods risk of early rehospitalization (29-47% in 3 to 6 months).…”

Combination Therapy with Metolazone and Loop Diuretics in Outpatients with Refractory Heart Failure: An Observational Study and Review of the Literature

“…In two large European HF study populations the actual use of metolazone was 1.3-2.2% [5,6]. In contrast, proportions as high as 23% being treated with metolazone have been reported in specialized heart failure clinics [7]. The motivation to use metolazone in HF is based on studies generally conducted in small populations prior to the standard use of ACE-inhibitors and betablockers during the last three decades.…”

Amiodarone‐induced thyroid dysfunction associated with cumulative dose

“…4 Approximately 10% of patients with congestive heart failure receive treatment with amiodarone. 5 However several serious side-effects such as pneumonitis, skin reactions, liver function abnormalities and thyroid disorders have been reported after exposure to amiodarone. 6 These toxic effects seem to be related to the total dose of amiodarone administered.…”