Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists in the Treatment and Prevention of Heart Failure

Abstract

Despite advancements in the treatment of heart failure (HF) and modest improvements in survival rates over the past few decades, mortality rate remains significantly high. HF not only imposes a significant economic burden on patients’ families but also presents a substantial challenge to society at large. Therefore, effective treatment and prevention strategies are crucial. Numerous studies have demonstrated that histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) can benefit patients with HF through various mechanisms. These mechanisms encompass promoting sodium and water excretion, vasodilation, enhancing cardiac output, reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, improving ventricular remodeling, and reducing mortality rate. Additionally, H2RAs exert beneficial effects on typical risk factors and may prevent the onset of HF. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the treatment and prevention of HF using H2RAs. For patients requiring either prevention or management of HF, and who concurrently have acid-related diseases, H2RAs may represent a suitable therapeutic option.