Disease progression is measured by measuring mortality and hospitalizations. We need to establish intermediate markers for progression of heart disease that can be substituted for hospitalizations and mortality. This will improve effectiveness and shorten follow-up of clinical trials. At present, multiple meds are required to get best improvement in quality and length of life. Some drugs may favorably affect one endpoint and affect the other unfavorably.
Some inotropic drugs reduce symptoms but shorten life expectancy.
The study is setup to detect a mortality benefit and should establish the role of ARBs in this patient group. When this trial and other ongoing studies are done, we will be more able to define the role of ARBs in CHF treatment. Baseline demographics of the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial. Many short-term studies have now compared ACE inhibitors to ARBs. Most have focused on endpoints such as blood pressure, kidney function, or cough.