Medical treatment for heart failure has evolved dramatically over the last 15 years. Many people who previously could not be helped are now experiencing increased survival and significant improvement in their symptoms of heart failure. Medications used to treat heart failure include:
The medications used for a patient depends on a number of variables, such as the degree of heart dysfunction, the presence of kidney dysfunction and other diseases that the patient may have. Diet, exercise and lifestyle changes are also an important part of the medical treatment for heart failure.
Medications
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors):
Dilates (opens up) the blood vessels to allow the heart to pump the blood more effectively and blocks neurohormones which can damage the heart.
Examples: lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, captopril, benazepril, fosinopril, quinapril, trandolapril
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs):
Dilates (opens up) the blood vessels to allow the heart to pump the blood. Sometimes used as an alternative to ACE Inhibitors or in conjunction with ACE Inhibitors in some cases.
Examples: losartan, valsartan, candesartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, eprosartan, olmesartan
Beta-blockers:
Blocks the effect of the neurohormones which can damage the heart, also slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Examples: carvedilol, metoprolol succinate
Diuretics:
"Water pills" which help rid the body of excess fluid and sodium that causes the body to retain fluid.
Examples: furosemide, torsemide, metolazone, bumetanide, hydrochlorothiazide
Digoxin:
Helps strengthen the force of the heart contraction.
Spironolactone/Eplerenone:
Blocks hormones produced by the body which can increase HF symptoms.
It is important to take your medicine each day as directed. Do not skip doses or stop taking any medicine without talking with your doctor or nurse. To help you keep track of the medicine you are taking, keep a medication list or chart. Your list should include space to record the name of the medication, dose, and how often each medication is taken. Be sure to bring this list to all doctors' visits. This is important if medications are changed or added. You should also not take any other medications without talking with your heart failure doctor or nurse first because other medications may affect how HF medications work or make side effects of your heart failure medications worse.
Diet
Low Salt diet:
A diet high in salt (sodium) makes the body retain extra fluid which causes the heart to work harder and raises blood pressure. For HF patients, a low salt diet (less than 2 grams of sodium a day) can relieve this added stress to the heart.
Quick tips for reducing your salt intake:
Fluid Restriction:
Your nurse, doctor or dietitian may provide more detailed diet guidelines, including limiting your fluid intake. Certain foods "count" as fluids, such as jello, ice cream, yogurt, pudding and juice in oranges and grapefruits. If you are asked to limit fluids, talk with your doctor, nurse, or dietitian about using small amounts of sugar-free candy or gum and other ways to help if you have a "dry mouth." As always, follow your health care providers' specific instructions.
Lifestyle changes
Monitor weight every morning:
Rapid weight gain is a HF warning sign. Weigh yourself daily, early in the morning (before eating or drinking) at the same time every day, using the same scale and wearing the same amount of clothes
Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise is important to your health. Talk with your doctor about starting an exercise program or joining a formal cardiac rehabilitation program. After a hospital stay, slowly increase your activities each day.
During the day, try to walk around every two to three hours. Increase the distance walked each day. To conserve energy, consider doing tasks, such as folding laundry, while seated. When sitting, elevate your feet on a stool. Vary your activities with planned rest periods.
Obesity:
Lose weight if you are overweight. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss program including diet, exercise and counseling.
Tobacco and Alcohol:
Stop smoking and drink alcohol sparingly, if at all. Talk with your doctor.
Vaccinations:
Talk to your doctor or nurse about influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
What other procedures can be used to treat HF?
HF is usually treated with medications, diet and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, certain procedures or surgery may be recommended. Other treatments include:
Contact
For more information regarding medical management of heart failure, call the Center for Heart Failure at (866) 662-8467.
