Open AccessEffect of Heart Failure Program on Cardiovascular Drug Utilization and Dosage in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Author(s) -
Ramahi Tarik M.,
Longo Marcella D.,
Rohlfs Kate,
Sheynberg Natalie
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960231211
Subject(s) - medicine , heart failure , captopril , spironolactone , ejection fraction , digoxin , amiodarone , cardiology , angiotensin converting enzyme , hydralazine , ace inhibitor , atrial fibrillation , blood pressure
Background: 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 3.1 ± 0.5, left ventricular ejection fraction 19 ± 8. Utilization and doses of cardiovascular drugs were examined at initial evaluation and at last visit, after an average period of 17 ± 14 months. Hospitalization and survival data were determined. Results: Utilization of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers increased from 87 to 100% (p< 0.001). Average daily dose increased by 60%, from the equivalent of captopril 105 ± 78 mg to 167 ± 86 mg (p < 0.001). Utilization of the following drugs increased significantly: beta blockers (16–37%, p< 0.001), metolazone (10–23%, p = 0.007), spironolactone (l‐36%, p<0.001), amiodarone (7–15%, p=0.05), hydralazine (1–9%, p = 0.004), and nitrates (20–33%, p = 0.03). One‐year survival was 90%. The 3‐ and 6‐month hospitalization rates for heart failure were 4 and 7%, and for all cardiovascular causes they were 6 and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: Care of patients with CHF in a specialized heart failure program was associated with significant increase in the utilization and doses of all beneficial cardiovascular drugs, especially ACE inhibitors. It was also associated with excellent clinical outcomes.