Effects of Vesnarinone on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a relatively common clinical problem 1 that is associated with the progressive impairment of left ventricular function and a poor long-term prognosis 2 . Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors have been shown to improve survival among patients with heart failure 3 , 4 ; however, the role of positive inotropic agents is less clear 5 . Two major classes of oral inotropic agents have been clinically evaluated: agents that increase the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP by stimulating the beta-adrenergic receptor or inhibiting phosphodiesterase, and drugs that increase the intracellular sodium concentration 6 . Oral agents that increase intracellular levels of cyclic AMP have not . . .