Initial data supporting the design of the Candesartan in Heart failure — Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme

BACKGROUND: The therapies developed to treat heart failure over the years have resulted in a significant improvement in clinical outcome. The 1-year mortality following hospital discharge remains unacceptably high, however. Furthermore, a significant number of patients are unable to tolerate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Clearly, scope remains for the improvement of neurohormonal blockade in patients with heart failure, and …