Authors’ reply to Davie and to Broughton and colleagues

Davie’s suggestion of a therapeutic trial may be useful and has been used formerly as part of a diagnostic strategy.1 2 3 But we would caution against relying on the response to furosemide because this drug reduces oedema from any cause, whereas non-cardiac oedema will not respond to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. However, the use of B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography provides—in addition to diagnosis—prognostic, aetiological, and therapeutic information. There are several possible investigations for coronary disease and an individualised approach is recommended. …