In treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which medication class is typically prescribed?

In the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), aldosterone antagonists are a critical part of therapy. This medication class includes drugs such as spironolactone and eplerenone, which have been shown to significantly improve outcomes in patients with HFrEF. They work by blocking the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that can lead to fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. By inhibiting aldosterone, these medications can help reduce edema and lower blood pressure, ultimately improving functional capacity and quality of life for patients with heart failure.

In contrast, the other medication classes listed do not have a primary role in treating HFrEF. Benzodiazepines are primarily used for anxiety and sedation, calcium channel blockers are mainly employed to treat hypertension and certain arrhythmias, and antibiotics are effective against infections, but they do not directly address the pathophysiology of heart failure. Therefore, aldosterone antagonists stand out as a foundational treatment in HFrEF management.