Treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II-antagonists and beta-blockers in an unselected group of patients with chronic heart failure

Objectives Modern diagnostics of chronic heart failure (CHF) is based on echocardiography. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin-II-antagonists (AIIAs) in case of ACEI intolerance, and beta-blockers are recommended as first-line drugs in patients with CHF and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The aims of this study were to analyse the diagnostics and treatment of patients with CHF and to identify the optimal drug profile (target level) with regard to ACEI/AIIA- and beta-blocker treatment.