Scientists probe hidden cause of drug side effect in heart patients

This study aimed to understand why a common heart failure medication (Entresto/LCZ696) can sometimes cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which is a concern for doctors and patients. Researchers tested 46 stable heart failure patients to see if a natural body chemical called substance P is responsible for this effect. They gave patients the heart drug along with either a blocker for substance P (aprepitant) or a placebo, measuring blood pressure and kidney function to find the cause.