Update of recent clinical trials in heart failure and myocardial infarction

Background: There are currently many on-going clinical trials assessing the rapies for the treatment of patients with heart failure. Aims: The purpose of this series of papers is to present concise summaries of current randomi sed trials in the field of heart failure and myocardial infarction (MI). Me thods: Data from large double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, which are o n-going or have only recently been published, are given in a format allowin g easy comparison. Where appropriate, data from smaller studies are include d. Results: Major studies which are examined in this issue include CIBIS II , MERIT-HF, RESOLVD, SPICE, VEST, MACH-1, ATLAS, PALES, CIDS and CASH. Thes e trials assess the efficacy and safety of beta-blocker, angiotensin-II-rec eptor blocker, positive inotropic agent, calcium antagonist, angiotensin-co nverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, aldosterone receptor blocker, and antiarrh ythmic interventions in the treatment of heart failure. Conclusions: The pr esentation of data from these on-going trials should allow an up-to-date as sessment, by physicians, of the most appropriate and effective treatment fo r patients with heart failure. It is evident that some therapies may play n o further role in the treatment of heart failure, due to the increased risk of mortality associated with their administration, whilst others may conve y significant benefits. (C) 1999 European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.