Spironolactone in severe heart failure: enhances efficacy of diuretic + ACE inhibitor combinations.

(1) In patients with heart failure who remain symptomatic despite combination therapy with a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, a strictly conducted trial has shown that adding spironolactone at a mean dose of 25 mg/day reduces overall mortality by approximately 5% per year, and reduces the incidence of hospitalisation for heart disease and disability. (2) There is a risk of gynaecomastia (9%) and potentially severe hyperkalaemia. (3) It is crucial to follow the protocol used in the clinical trial, i.e. this treatment is contraindicated in severe renal failure or hyperkalaemia; creatinine and potassium levels must be monitored strictly; and spironolactone must be combined with a loop diuretic.