[Male-female differences in the optimal dosage of medication for heart failure; the 'one-size-fits-all' approach to guidelines needs revision]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2020 Mar 12:164:D4585.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Despite known sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the target dosages for heart failure medication recommended by international guidelines are the same for both men and women. In a recent post-hoc analysis in The Lancet, Santema and colleagues evaluated sex-based differences in clinical outcomes related to the dosage of three classes of heart failure drugs. They found that women may reach the peak benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and β blockers at half the recommended target dosage. This commentary discusses the study by Santema and colleagues and its implications for clinical practice.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Cardiology / standards*
  • Drug Administration Schedule*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Sex Factors*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors