TREATMENT WITH ACE-INHIBITORS IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CONGESTIVE-HEART-FAILURE

Background: Treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors im proves symptoms and prognosis in older patients who have chronic conge stive heart failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate heart failur e treatment in the older age group, with special emphasis on angiotens in converting enzyme inhibitors.Methods: A total of 293 elderly people aged 76-98 years (mean age 83 years) in the city of Bergen, Norway, w ere evaluated using a questionnaire with specific questions concerning presence of heart disease, hypertension and medical treatment. Result s: Forty patients were treated for mild to moderate chronic congestive heart failure with 20-160 mg/day (mean 48 mg) furosemide. Only 13 of them (32%) were treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibito r, and were given a low dose. Conclusions: The optimal treatment of ch ronic congestive heart failure in older patients should include increa sed use of angiotensin convering enzyme inhibitors.