This article provides an update on the drug treatment for heart failure (HF) mostly based on the recent clinical guidelines issued by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).1 New high quality evidence from randomised controlled trials has resulted in greater value being given to the use of beta-blockers (BBs) and to the use of the hydralazine-nitrate combination. The importance of monitoring laboratory and clinical parameters to ensure safe and effective drug treatment is also highlighted.peer-reviewe
