ehealthyland.com

These medications widen the blood vessels. With wider blood vessels, the heart does not have to work so hard to push the blood through the arteries. The most widely used are the ACE inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the production of a substance called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to tighten.

Many different medications are used in the treatment of heart failure. They include:

1.Aspirin and Warfarin
2.Statins
3.Hydralazine and Nitrates
4.Digitalis
5.Aldosterone Blockers
6.Diuretics
7.Beta Blockers
8.Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
9.Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

1.Aldosterone Antagonists:These drugs include spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra). They’re primarily potassium-sparing diuretics, but they have additional properties that help the heart work better, may reverse scarring of the heart and may help people with severe heart failure live longer. Unlike some other diuretics, spironolactone can raise the level of potassium in your blood to dangerous levels, so talk to your doctor if increased potassium is a concern.

2.Diuretics:Often called water pills, diuretics make you urinate more frequently and keep fluid from collecting in your body. Commonly prescribed diuretics for heart failure include bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide (Lasix). The drugs also decrease fluid in your lungs, so you can breathe more easily. Because diuretics make your body lose potassium and magnesium, your doctor may also prescribe supplements of these minerals. If you’re taking a diuretic, your doctor will likely monitor levels of potassium and magnesium in your blood through regular blood tests.

3.Beta Blockers:This class of drugs slows your heart rate and reduces blood pressure. Examples include carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor) and bisoprolol (Zebeta). These medicines also reduce the risk of some abnormal heart rhythms. Beta blockers may reduce signs and symptoms of heart failure and improve heart function.

4.Digoxin (Lanoxin):This drug, also referred to as digitalis, increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions. It also tends to slow the heartbeat. Digoxin reduces heart failure symptoms and improves your ability to live with the condition.

5.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs):These drugs, which include losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan), have many of the same benefits as ACE inhibitors. They may be an alternative for people who can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors.

6.Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:These drugs help people with heart failure live longer and feel better. ACE inhibitors are a type of vasodilator, a drug that widens blood vessels to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow and decrease the workload on the heart. Examples include enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and captopril (Capoten).

You’ll probably need to take two or more medications to treat heart failure. Your doctor may prescribe other heart medications as well such as nitrates for chest pain, a statin to lower cholesterol or blood-thinning medications to help prevent blood clots along with heart failure medications.

You may be hospitalized for a few days if you have a flare-up of heart failure symptoms. While in the hospital, you may receive additional medications to help your heart pump better and relieve your symptoms. You may also receive supplemental oxygen through a mask or small tubes placed in your nose. If you have severe heart failure, you may need to use supplemental oxygen long term.

It’s important to watch for signs that heart failure is getting worse. For example, weight gain may mean that fluids are building up in your body. Discuss with your doctor how often to check your weight and when to report weight changes.

It’s also important to get medical care for other related conditions. If you have diabetes and/or high blood pressure, work with your health care team to control these conditions. Have your blood sugar level and blood pressure checked. Talk with your doctor about when you should have tests and how often to take measurements at home.

Try to avoid respiratory infections like the flu and pneumonia. Talk with your doctor or nurse about getting flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Many people who have severe heart failure may need treatment in a hospital from time to time. Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy (oxygen given through nasal prongs or a mask). Oxygen therapy can be given in a hospital or at home.