[Options in drug combinations].

After recalling the fundamental importance of ACE inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure, the author analyzes the scientific evidence supporting the use of beta-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of this syndrome. He describes the complications involved in prescribing these drugs for patients in functional class IV and reviews the current literature on the problem. He then considers the possibility of beta-blockers (particularly carvedilol) being used instead of ACE inhibitors. He reviews the conclusions of studies on the benefits of adding an AT1 receptor antagonist to ACE inhibitor therapy, including the results of the RESOLVD studies. He also concludes that there is no evidence that AT2 receptor antagonists are as good as or better than ACE inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure.