Norman K. Hollenberg, MD, PhD, is the editor of the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, located at 15 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. The article discusses a randomized trial of valsartan in chronic heart failure. The study involved 5010 patients with heart failure classified as NYHA II, III, or IV. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 160 mg of valsartan or placebo twice daily. The primary outcomes were mortality and the combined endpoint of mortality and morbidity. The results showed that valsartan significantly reduced the combined endpoint of mortality and morbidity, primarily due to fewer hospitalizations for heart failure. Valsartan also improved NYHA class, ejection fraction, signs and symptoms of heart failure, and quality of life. However, a post hoc analysis suggested an adverse effect in patients receiving valsartan, an ACE inhibitor, and a β-blocker. The editor raises concerns about the potential safety of this combination. The article also mentions the importance of serum potassium levels and the use of aldosterone antagonists. The authors respond to these concerns, stating that there was no significant excess of dangerous hyperkalemia. The editor also comments on the study's limitations, including the small number of patients not taking an ACE inhibitor. The article concludes that valsartan is effective in patients not taking an ACE inhibitor. Another article discusses a genomic-systems biology map for cardiovascular function, highlighting the importance of genetics in hypertension research. The editor notes the importance of collaboration in this field and the need for further research.Norman K. Hollenberg, MD, PhD, is the editor of the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, located at 15 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. The article discusses a randomized trial of valsartan in chronic heart failure. The study involved 5010 patients with heart failure classified as NYHA II, III, or IV. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 160 mg of valsartan or placebo twice daily. The primary outcomes were mortality and the combined endpoint of mortality and morbidity. The results showed that valsartan significantly reduced the combined endpoint of mortality and morbidity, primarily due to fewer hospitalizations for heart failure. Valsartan also improved NYHA class, ejection fraction, signs and symptoms of heart failure, and quality of life. However, a post hoc analysis suggested an adverse effect in patients receiving valsartan, an ACE inhibitor, and a β-blocker. The editor raises concerns about the potential safety of this combination. The article also mentions the importance of serum potassium levels and the use of aldosterone antagonists. The authors respond to these concerns, stating that there was no significant excess of dangerous hyperkalemia. The editor also comments on the study's limitations, including the small number of patients not taking an ACE inhibitor. The article concludes that valsartan is effective in patients not taking an ACE inhibitor. Another article discusses a genomic-systems biology map for cardiovascular function, highlighting the importance of genetics in hypertension research. The editor notes the importance of collaboration in this field and the need for further research.