The CHARM program: the effects of candesartan for the management of patients with chronic heart failure

Recent studies have shown candesartan to be an effective therapy for heart failure (HF) patients, producing a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Importantly studies have shown that candesartan is effective in HF patients intolerant to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and in patients already receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as well as and providing evidence that it may also be effective for HF patients with preserved ejection fraction. The primary end point in the latter group failed to achieve statistical significance owing to the small number of events. This paper will review the data supporting the use of candesartan to treat all HF patients, regardless of their ejection fraction.