Heart Failure: Stage B

Piedmont Augusta's Advanced Heart Failure Center

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901-2629
Phone: 706.774.7855 
Fax. 706.364.0516 
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Patients have a structural heart abnormality -- seen on echocardiogram or other imaging tests -- but no symptoms of heart failure. Abnormalities include left ventricular hypertrophy and low EF, asymptomatic valvular heart disease, and a previous heart attack. In addition to the treatment guidelines for Stage A, the following types of drugs and devices may be recommended:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are recommended for all patients with reduced EF to prevent heart failure. ACE inhibitors are also recommended for patients who have a history of heart attack. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
• Beta blockers are recommended for all patients with reduced EF or a history of heart attack. They are also recommended for patients who have not had a heart attack, but who do have reduced LVEF identified in diagnostic tests.

An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) may be appropriate for patients who have had a heart attack at least 40 days prior and have reduced LVEF.