Blood Pressure Reduction in Heart Failure

Effect of Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure - Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

Previous studies have demonstrated a direct association between blood pressure level and cardiovascular risk. However in patients with heart failure this association is considered controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the reduction of blood pressure in patients with heart failure. The investigators will examine the effects of this intervention over mortality, quality of life, and cardiac function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stable chronic heart failure for at least 6 months
• ejection fraction of 40% or less, as measured by transthoracic echocardiography
• optimal clinical treatment for chronic heart failure according to current international guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patient refusal
• rheumatic or degenerative valvular disease
• restrictive cardiomyopathy
• evidence of myocardial ischemia
• alcohol or drug use
• malignant neoplasm
• active infection
• surgical intervention in the 3 previous months
• lactation, childbearing or childbearing potential.
• pulmonary embolism in the 6 previous months