Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood around the body.
It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and fluid retention. The disease is one of the leading causes of death among older adults.
Trial with patients
Researchers from the University of Porto studied 62 patients with heart failure.
The patients were monitored for around six months at several hospitals in northern Portugal.
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Some patients received two types of medication simultaneously from the start, while others received the medication gradually in several stages over a longer period.
The researchers monitored factors including blood pressure, kidney function, and the need for hospitalization.
Surprising results
The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and reported by the media outlet JN, showed that patients who received both treatments immediately did not experience more serious side effects than patients who received the medication gradually.
The researchers therefore believe that doctors may be able to begin treatment earlier than they do today.
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This could help patients receive the treatment recommended by international guidelines more quickly.
Sources: JN and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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