What is true about antianginal therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?

In the context of antianginal therapy for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, β-blockers are indeed associated with reduced mortality. This therapeutic class not only helps to manage symptoms such as angina but also exerts beneficial effects on the heart by decreasing heart rate and relieving myocardial oxygen demand. They achieve this while supporting heart function and decreasing the risk of adverse cardiac events in the long-term management of heart failure.

The importance of using β-blockers in heart failure stems from their ability to improve outcomes, especially in patients with reduced ejection fraction. The mortality benefit linked to β-blockers in this patient population has been widely documented, making them a cornerstone in treating heart failure alongside other medications like ACE inhibitors and diuretics.

In contrast, the other options present potential drawbacks or misunderstandings regarding antianginal therapies. For instance, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can cause reflex tachycardia and may exacerbate heart failure symptoms, hence their cautious use. Therefore, the focus on β-blockers as a beneficial intervention aligns perfectly with current guidelines and evidence supporting their role in enhancing survival in heart failure patients.