Treatment FAQ

what treatment is best for my chronic heart failure

by Harrison Walter DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medicines are the main treatment for heart failure, but for some people surgery may help. Operations that can help with heart failure include: heart valve surgery. a coronary angioplasty or bypass.

Medication

What is the best treatment for heart failure? Medicines are the main treatment for heart failure, but for some people surgery may help. Operations that can help with heart failure include: heart valve surgery. … The main treatments are: healthy lifestyle changes. medication. devices implanted in your chest to control your heart rhythm. surgery.

Procedures

has accepted and filed the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for omecamtiv mecarbil, an investigational, selective, small molecule cardiac myosin activator, for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The FDA assigned ...

Nutrition

(RTTNews) - Vifor Pharma announced positive outcome of the phase-IIIb DIAMOND trial of Veltassa in heart failure patients with either manifest ... life-saving RAASi treatment, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, with Veltassa during the ...

What is the best treatment for heart failure?

“Depression is common in patients with coronary artery disease. Having both conditions can have a significant ... of exercise as a treatment as we see that it improves not only depression but also other important aspects of heart disease, such as ...

What is the latest treatment for heart failure?

What are the phases of treating heart failure?

Can medication cure heart failure?

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Can chronic heart failure get better?

It just needs some support to help it work better. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people. Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.

What can you do for chronic heart failure?

If you have heart failure, you can take steps to improve your heart health. Take your medications as instructed, follow a low-sodium diet, stay active or become physically active, take notice of sudden changes in your weight, live a healthy lifestyle, keep your follow-up appointments and track your symptoms.

What's the best treatment for congestive heart failure?

ACE inhibitors or ARB drugs improve heart function and life expectancy. Digitalis glycosides strengthen the heart's contractions. Anticoagulants or antiplatelets such as aspirin help prevent blood clots. Beta-blockers improve heart function and chances of living longer.

How do you reverse chronic heart failure?

Lifestyle ChangesModify daily activities and get enough rest to avoid stressing the heart.Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium and fat.Don't smoke and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.Don't drink alcohol or limit intake to no more than one drink two or three times a week.Lose weight.More items...

Can you live 20 years heart failure?

In general, about half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive five years. About 30% will survive for 10 years. In patients who receive a heart transplant, about 21% of patients are alive 20 years later.

How do you strengthen your heart after heart failure?

Choose an aerobic activity that you enjoy such as walking (outside or on a treadmill), stationary cycling, swimming, and rowing or water aerobics. Ask your doctor before lifting weights. Exercise should be done regularly to gain the benefits; national guidelines suggest most days of the week if not everyday.

Can you reverse congestive heart failure?

It is possible to reverse congestive heart failure. Once the condition of your heart is assessed, the physician will take further steps to treat your congestive heart failure and start appropriate treatment.

What is the new drug for congestive heart failure?

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Jardiance (empagliflozin) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults.

What is the first line treatment for heart failure?

After a patient has been diagnosed with a type, stage, and class, treatment can be determined. First-line drug therapy for all patients with HFrEF should include an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and beta blocker. These medications have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality.

How do I know if my heart failure is getting worse?

Signs of Worsening Heart FailureShortness of breath.Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.Weight gain of three or more pounds in one day.Weight gain of five pounds in one week.Unusual swelling in the legs, feet, hands, or abdomen.A persistent cough or chest congestion (the cough may be dry or hacking)More items...

How much water should I drink a day if I have congestive heart failure?

When your heart failure is not very bad, you may not have to limit your fluids too much. As your heart failure gets worse, you may need to limit fluids to 6 to 9 cups (1.5 to 2 liters) a day.

What is the best medicine for the heart?

The Big 6 Heart MedicationsStatins — to lower LDL cholesterol. ... Aspirin — to prevent blood clots. ... Clopidogrel — to prevent blood clots. ... Warfarin — to prevent blood clots. ... Beta-blockers — to treat heart attack and heart failure and sometimes used to lower blood pressure.More items...•

What can you do about heart failure?

Heart failure caused by damage to the heart that has developed over time can’t be cured. But it can be treated, quite often with strategies to improve symptoms.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are scientific studies that determine if a possible new medical advance can help people and whether it has harmful side effects.

What are the major contributions to cardiac remodeling and thereby to the progression of HF?

Pathophysiologically, major contribution to cardiac remodeling and thereby to the progression of HF stems from the activation of endogenous neurohormonal systems with elevated plasma and/or tissue levels of norepinephrine, angiotensin II, aldosterone, endothelin, vasopressin, and various cytokines.

What drugs should be avoided for HF?

Drugs that can exacerbate HF should be avoided, examples being: antiarrhythmic agents with the exemption of amiodarone and dofetilide; calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, diltiazem, and first-generation dihydropyridines; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, coxibs, and corticosteroids; and.

What is CRT therapy?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using bi-ventricular pacing is indicated in patients with reduced LV function (EF ≤35%), sinus rhythm, left bundle branch block or echocardiographic signs of ventricular dyssynchrony, and QRS width ÔëÑ120ms remaining symptomatic (NYHA III-IV) despite optimal medical therapy. 1-3,19 In the Care-HF and COMPANION trials, CRT has been shown to improve survival, symptoms, and exercise capacity, and to decrease hospitalizations in this patient group. 20-21 Implantation of pacemakers should be based on conventional indications for the treatment of bradyarrhythmias. 1-3 Conventional right ventricular (RV) pacing may yield detrimental effects on LV function, and results from the recently conducted HOBIPACE trial show that biventricular stimulation is superior to RV pacing with regard to LV function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with LV dysfunction (EF =40%) and standard indication for ventricular pacing. 22 In a recent meta-analysis of four trials looking at secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD), ICD implantation improved survival in patients who survived cardiac arrest and in patients with sustained clinically significant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. 23 Moreover, several trials have established the indication for ICD therapy in selected HF patients with optimal pharmacological treatment for primary prevention of SCD. 21,24-25 In the MADIT II trial, patients with LVEF ≤30% after MI (>1 month) were randomized to ICD implantation or not, and the trial was prematurely stopped after a mean follow-up of 20 months because of a significant reduction of mortality in the ICD group. 24

What is HTX in cardiology?

In selected patients with severe HF, heart transplantation (HTx) is indicated to improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and survival compared with conventional treatment and has been shown to have five-year survival rates of 70-80% in patients receiving a triple immunosuppressive therapy. 1-3,26 Selection criteria for HTx include severe hemodynamic compromise due to HF (refractory cardiogenic shock, continued dependence on intravenous inotropic support for maintenance of adequate organ perfusion, peak VO 2 less than 10ml/kg/min with achievement of anaerobic metabolism), refractory severe cardiac ischemia consistently limitating routine activity, and recurrent refractory life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. 3 Contraindications include current drug or alcohol abuse, lack of compliance, serious uncontrollable mental disease, severe comorbidity (i.e. treated malignancy with remission and <5 years follow-up, systemic infection, significant renal or hepatic failure), and fixed pulmonary hypertension. 1-2 Immunosuppressive therapy is mandatory for prevention of allograft rejection, but may lead to complications including infections, renal failure, malignancies, and transplant vasculopathy that limited long-term prognosis. 1-3 Unfortunately, transplantation is not an option for all HF patients with HTx indications due to a limited number of donor hearts.

What is HF in medical terms?

In general, HF is a progressive process in which predisposing conditions eventually lead to structural heart damage and asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction before the development of overt HF with clinical symptoms.

What are the complications of HF?

Complications of HF include thromboembolic events, ...

Does digoxin help with heart rate?

While it has no effect on mortality, digoxin may improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations at low serum levels (i.e. 0.5-0.8ng/ml) in patients with LV systolic dysfunction (EF Ôëñ35-40%) and sinus rhythm who remain symptomatic under a therapy with ACEI, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone receptor antagonists. 1-3,18 During therapy, heart rate, atrio-ventricular conduction, potassium and cardiac glycoside serum levels should be monitored. Renal function should be regularly assessed in case of digoxin, which is eliminated by renal excretion.

What is the best treatment for heart failure?

Prescription medications, such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, are the most commonly used approaches to heart failure treatment. These drugs work by stimulating the heart to pump more efficiently, preventing excess fluid from building up in the body, or by lowering blood pressure. When medications aren't enough to manage symptoms, ...

What are some ways to help with heart failure?

Mind-body interventions: Techniques such as yoga, tai-chi, acupuncture, biofeedback, and reflexology are generally done with the guidance and supervision of a trained expert.

What is the most common ACE inhibitor used for heart failure?

The most common ACE inhibitors used in heart failure include: Capoten (captopril)

What is the best treatment for edema and shortness of breath?

Diuretics . Diuretics are medications that act on the kidneys and promote elimination of water and excess sodium from the body. This relieves the edema and shortness of breath of heart failure, as both of these symptoms are the result of fluid pressure in the body.

How to get over heart failure?

Exercise may not be easy for everyone with heart failure, so you should be careful to avoid overexertion. Walking is an ideal activity for most people. Remember to slow down or take a break if you ever feel too short of breath, or if you feel dizzy or faint.

Why do you need a replacement heart valve?

A replacement heart valve can address blood flow restriction due to abnormal valve structure. This may be a routine procedure, or it may be quite extensive, depending on the severity of the valve problem and how many valves are affected.

How to help people with heart failure?

Physical Activity. Staying active is important for everybody, but for people with heart failure especially, it can keep your heart muscle strong. Over time, it can help make the heart work more efficiently, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It can also boost your stamina and improve your breathing.

How to prevent heart failure?

Prevention. The first step toward avoiding heart failure is to make lifestyle changes: stop smoking, limit how much alcohol you drink, lose excess weight, exercise regularly, and eat a heart-healthy diet.

What are the three medications used for heart failure?

The medications used to treat heart failure include three groups of drugs: diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers. The type of medication your doctor will recommend depends on the type of heart failure you have and how severe your symptoms are.

What tests are used to diagnose heart failure?

Your doctor also may use an echocardiography or get an ultrasound image of your heart, a chest X-ray, or other tests.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

The most common symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, frequent coughing, and swollen ankles and neck veins (See Table 1). All of these are due to excess fluid buildup in the body.

Why are obese people at greater risk of heart failure?

People who are obese face a greater risk of heart failure because the extra weight they carry strains the heart. Also, being overweight increases the risk of other conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, that can lead to heart failure.

Why are older people at higher risk for heart disease?

Chemotherapy. Older people are at an increased risk because the causes of heart failure —especially heart disease—are more common in the elderly. African Americans are more likely to have heart failure than people of other races. They are nearly twice as likely as Caucasians to develop the disease.

What is heart failure?

At a glance. Heart failure is a chronic disease where the heart weakens and loses some of its ability to pump blood. It occurs as a result of high blood pressure, having a heart attack, or from other conditions that affect the heart. Heart failure is underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in its early stages.

What is the best medicine for heart failure?

Here are 10 drugs commonly prescribed for heart failure: Carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR) is a beta blocker. The usual dose for the regular tablet is twice daily. You take the controlled-release capsule once daily in the morning. You should take both with food.

How does a doctor choose the best treatment for heart failure?

To help doctors choose the best treatment, they follow expert guidelines and recommendations. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, test results, and stage of heart failure. After starting treatment, your doctor will monitor your response.

How do doctors treat heart failure?

Doctors use a variety of medicines to manage heart failure. This includes drugs that reduce the heart’s workload, help the heart pump more blood, and reduce fluid buildup in the body. Your doctor may also recommend drugs to prevent blood clots and reduce cholesterol. Most people with heart failure take more than one medication.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

This can include swelling of the feet and ankles (edema), fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and unexplained weight gain. Heart failure is a common complication of heart attack.

Is heart failure a complication of heart attack?

Heart failure is a common complication of heart attack. However, other types of heart disease can also lead to this chronic condition. This includes high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, arrhythmias, and heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy). Heart failure treatment focuses on managing these underlying diseases and improving symptoms.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kabir Sethi
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Generally the treatment helps to reduce the symptoms but the specializing treatment depends on the progress of the disease.
Medication

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)helps to open narrowed blood vessels.

Benazepril . Captopril . Enalapril


Beta blockers: To reduce blood pressure and slow down heart rate.

Acebutolol . Atenolol . Bisoprolol


Diuretics: To reduce fluid content in the body.

Metolazone . Indapamide . Hydrochlorothiazide

Procedures

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): Correcting blocked coronary arteries using arteries from other areas of the body.

Heart valve surgery: Damaged valve is replaced or repaired. It could be either an invasive or a non-invasive procedure.

Implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement: Surgically inserting a battery-operated, mechanical pump-like device into the left ventricle.

Heart transplant: Advised in extreme cases when all other treatment options fail.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
  • Include fiber-rich food
  • Limit fatty and sugary foods
  • Include low fat or fat-free foods
  • Limit your salt and sodium intake
  • Quit alcohol

Foods to avoid:

  • High cholesterol foods
  • Foods rich in salty and sugary

Specialist to consult

Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • To diagnose heart failure, your doctor will take a careful medical history, review your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Your doctor will also check to see if you have risk factors for heart failure, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or diabetes. Your doctor can li…
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