Neurohormonal blockade in heart failure aims to achieve what outcome?

• A. Cure HF
• B. Reduce disease progression
• C. Increase diuretic needs
• D. Eliminate mortality risk completely

Answer: (B)

Neurohormonal blockade targets the harmful chronic activation of the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system in heart failure. By blocking these pathways with drugs like ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, the heart’s remodeling slows and the disease progresses more slowly. This approach lowers the risk of hospitalization and death and can improve or stabilize symptoms, but it does not cure the heart failure. A cure isn’t expected because HF is a chronic, progressive condition despite therapy, and there remains residual mortality risk even with treatment. Diuretics are used to relieve congestion, not to modify the underlying progression.