Final answer:
A potential medication to add to the patient's heart medication regimen is hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate, which has been shown to be effective in black patients with heart failure. The patient should continue taking their current heart medications and consult with their healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a patient with heart failure and an EF of <40%, the goal is to optimize their medication regimen to improve their symptoms and overall heart function. In this case, since the patient is black, it is important to consider the use of certain medications that have shown to be particularly effective in this population.
One of the medications that can be added to the patient's standing heart medication is hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate. This combination has been shown to reduce mortality and hospitalizations in black patients with heart failure and a reduced EF. It is typically added to the patient's current heart medication regimen, which may include medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
It is important for the patient to continue taking their current heart medications as prescribed, and to speak with their healthcare provider about the potential addition of hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate to their regimen. The healthcare provider will evaluate the patient's individual situation and determine if this medication is appropriate and beneficial.