The New England journal of medicine
The most recent articles from:
N. Engl. J. Med.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A randomized trial of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan in chronic heart failure.
Actions of angiotensin II may contribute to the progression of heart failure despite treatment with currently recommended drugs. We therefore evaluated the long-term effects of the addition of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan to standard therapy for heart failure. ⋯ Valsartan significantly reduces the combined end point of mortality and morbidity and improves clinical signs and symptoms in patients with heart failure, when added to prescribed therapy. However, the post hoc observation of an adverse effect on mortality and morbidity in the subgroup receiving valsartan, an ACE inhibitor, and a beta-blocker raises concern about the potential safety of this specific combination.