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Calcium channel-blocking agents such as nifedipine are sometimes prescribed for patients with congestive heart failure in an attempt to improve cardiac output by reducing systemic arterial resistance. This randomized, double-blind study appears to confirm anecdotal reports that heart function may actually deteriorate with this intervention.
Twenty-eight patients with Class II or III heart failure followed each of three regimens -- nifedipine alone, isosorbide alone, or their combination -- for alternating 8- week periods. Nifedipine, alone or with isosorbide, was associated with worsening heart failure. Hospitalization was necessary for 24 percent of patients on nifedipine alone and for 26 percent of those on the combined regimen, but for no…