Management of Heart Failure Caused Primarily by Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Abstract

Growing concerns over rapidly escalating health care costs have prompted a closer evaluation of the disease states that have the greatest impact on our national health care economy. Significant improvements in the management of patients with coronary artery disease, various cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, and malignant arrhythmias have resulted in more patients presenting with heart failure and an increase in research efforts to improve our understanding and management of this complex disease. Careful, appropriate medical therapy can improve the quality of life and long-term survival of these patients while helping to control the staggering cost of their care. This article focuses on the management of patients with heart failure caused primarily by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and reviews ongoing clinical investigations.