ACE and heart failure: These studies did not demonstrate increased severity of illness with patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blocker, beta blocker, or thiazide diuretics.114,115 The Heart Failure Society of America, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released a joint statement recommending these medications be continued in patients who take them for chronic medical conditions unless for actions based on standard clinical practice.116