Drug class	Potential therapeutic role
Diuretics	Symptomatic improvement of congestion. Spironolactone improves survival in severe (NYHA class IV) heart failure
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors	Improved symptoms, exercise capacity, and survival in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic systolic dysfunction
Digoxin	Improved symptoms, exercise capacity, and fewer admissions to hospital
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists	Treatment of symptomatic heart failure in patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors*
Nitrates and hydralazine	Improved survival in symptomatic patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists*
β Blockers	Improved symptoms and survival in stable patients who are already receiving ACE inhibitors
Amiodarone	Prevention of arrhythmias in patients with symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias