What class of drugs is commonly used in the management of heart failure?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are a mainstay in the management of heart failure due to their ability to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. They work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor. By doing this, ACE inhibitors help to lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve blood flow. They also play a significant role in preventing the remodeling of the heart that often occurs in heart failure, thus improving overall cardiac function.

The use of ACE inhibitors in heart failure has been extensively supported by clinical trials, which have shown that they can improve symptoms, exercise tolerance, and quality of life for patients, in addition to enhancing longevity. They are particularly beneficial for patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure.

While other classes of drugs like beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers can be part of heart failure management, they serve different roles. Beta-blockers are often used for their heart rate-lowering effects and to protect against arrhythmias, diuretics help manage fluid overload and improve symptoms of congestion, and calcium channel blockers are typically less favored due to their potential to worsen heart failure in certain patients