Are angiotensin II receptor antagonists indicated in chronic heart failure?

Abstract

Angiotensin II type I receptor antagonists (ARAs) have been tested in two large randomized trials, Evaluation of Losartan in the Elderly II (ELITE II) and the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT), and several other large trials are ongoing in the indication of chronic heart failure (CHF). Based on the available evidence, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors remain the cornerstone in the treatment of CHF. However, much more information should be available in the next few years, which will provide more evidence on how to use ARAs and in which patients.