The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in heart failure for the non-specialist: the past, the present and the future.
Heart failure is one of the major public health challenges facing the Western world. Its prevalence is increasing as the population ages and modern techniques are implemented to manage cardiac disease. In response, there has been a sustained effort to develop novel strategies to address the high levels of associated morbidity and mortality. Indeed, agents that target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have transformed the way in which we manage heart failure. Despite this, mortality in heart failure is poorer than in many malignancies and a large burden of morbidity and recurrent hospitalisation remains. Here, we review the role of RAAS modulation within the field of systolic heart failure. In particular, we provide practical guidance on using current RAAS blockade agents and focus on the recent emergence of new agents that promise additional substantial benefit to those living with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
['Orsborne|Christopher|C|', 'Chaggar|Parminder S|PS|', 'Shaw|Steven M|SM|', 'Williams|Simon G|SG|']
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists D000613:Aminobutyrates D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors D001713:Biphenyl Compounds D004338:Drug Combinations D006333:Heart Failure D006801:Humans D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists D015260:Neprilysin D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System D013777:Tetrazoles D000068756:Valsartan D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors Angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor Beta-blockers Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists