Which description matches first-line therapy for heart failure and mentions that some patients develop a nagging cough?

Which description matches first-line therapy for heart failure and mentions that some patients develop a nagging cough?

• A. Beta-blockers
• B. Vasodilators
• C. Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• D. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that an ACE inhibitor is a common first-line medication for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction because it lowers mortality, reduces afterload, and helps prevent adverse remodeling by decreasing angiotensin II and aldosterone. A classic clue is the nagging, persistent dry cough some patients develop. That cough comes from bradykinin buildup when ACE is inhibited, a side effect not typically seen with ARBs. If the cough becomes troublesome, clinicians may switch to an ARB to maintain benefits without the cough, while continuing to monitor kidney function and potassium levels and watching for other reactions like angioedema.

The main idea here is that an ACE inhibitor is a common first-line medication for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction because it lowers mortality, reduces afterload, and helps prevent adverse remodeling by decreasing angiotensin II and aldosterone. A classic clue is the nagging, persistent dry cough some patients develop. That cough comes from bradykinin buildup when ACE is inhibited, a side effect not typically seen with ARBs. If the cough becomes troublesome, clinicians may switch to an ARB to maintain benefits without the cough, while continuing to monitor kidney function and potassium levels and watching for other reactions like angioedema.