
Class Summary. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are reasonable first-line therapy for patients with mild to moderate heart failure symptoms and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction when patients are already taking these agents for other indications.
What are the best drugs to treat heart failure?
10 rows · After a patient has been diagnosed with a type, stage, and class, treatment can be determined. ...
What are first-line therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)?
ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), ARBs, beta-blockers, MRAs and diuretics form the basis of first-line pharmacological management of left ventricular systolic heart failure (HFrEF). Treatment doses should be increased to those shown to be of benefit in …
Are diuretics the first line of treatment for heart failure?
This drug class reduces the heart rate, similar to another class of drugs called beta blockers. Ivabradine (Corlanor) Beta Blockers (Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Commonly prescribed include: Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) Carvedilol (Coreg) Carvedilol CR (Coreg CR) Toprol XL; Aldosterone Antagonists
What medications are used to treat atrial fibrillation?
Rationale: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta blockers are now considered the first-line treatments for heart failure. Digoxin is used when the first-line treatments are not successful; nesiritide is considered a last-resort treatment.

What is the first drug of choice for heart failure?
Digoxin has been the traditional first drug of choice for CHF, but with protracted controversy about its efficacy and safety. It is hope that new agents as vesnarione, and ibopamine may improve contractility without having adverse consequences.
What classes of medications are used to treat heart failure?
Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Heart FailureDiuretics. - thiazide diuretics. - loop diuretics. ... Vasodilators (dilate arteries and veins) - angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ... Cardiostimulatory or inotropic drugs (stimulate contractility) - digitalis. ... Cardioinhibitory. - beta-blockers.
What would be your first-line choice of drug for the treatment of heart failure in a patient with CRF?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the cornerstone of HF therapy and improve survival in patients with HF and left ventricular dysfunction.
What is the best treatment for heart failure?
Surgery or other procedures for heart failure may include:Coronary bypass surgery. ... Heart valve repair or replacement. ... Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). ... Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). ... Ventricular assist devices (VADs). ... Heart transplant.10 Dec 2021
What is treatment for heart failure?
Commonly prescribed include: Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) Carvedilol (Coreg)31 May 2017
Which drug class has largely replaced the cardiac glycosides as first-line drugs in therapy of heart failure?
Cardiac glycosides, including digitalis and digoxin, have long-standing use in clinical practice. Superior therapies with milder adverse effects and better safety profiles have now replaced it, such as beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers.
Which medications are considered first-line treatment for heart failure select all that apply?
ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), ARBs, beta-blockers, MRAs and diuretics form the basis of first-line pharmacological management of left ventricular systolic heart failure (HFrEF). Treatment doses should be increased to those shown to be of benefit in the major trials or to the highest tolerated doses.
Why are ACE inhibitors first-line for heart failure?
ACE inhibitors dilate the blood vessels to improve your blood flow. This helps decrease the amount of work the heart has to do. They also help block a substance in the blood called angiotensin that is made as a result of heart failure. Angiotensin is one of the most powerful blood vessel narrowers in the body.16 Oct 2019
What is the best treatment for HF?
Digoxin. Digoxin may be considered in patients with ongoing symptoms of HF despite optimised pharmacotherapy (i.e., ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker and MRA diuretic therapy) to reduce the risk of hospitalisation. Digoxin is often prescribed to control ventricular rate in patients with co-existing AF.
What is the name of the drug that combines neprilysin inhibitors with valsart
Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) combines the neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril) with the angiotensin receptor blockade (valsartan). Sacubitril/valsartan (trade name Entresto) has been shown to be superior to the ACE inhibitor (enalapril) in reducing cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation due to HFrEF.
When should beta blockers be initiated?
Beta-blockers should only be initiated after a patient’s condition has stabilised to avoid precipitating HF decompensation. They are often commenced in hospital with a plan for up-titration every 2-4 weeks until the target dose is reached. (See Titrating Medications in Heart Failure ). Carvedilol (beta1, beta2 and alpha1 antagonist), bisoprolol, ...
Does ivabradine lower heart rate?
Ivabradine may be considered for patients with HFrEF, with a recent hospital admission and who are in sinus rhythm with a heart rate >70 bpm despite receiving optimal beta-blocker therapy. Ivabradine decreases heart rate by inhibiting the sinus node.
Can ACE inhibitors be used for HF?
ACE inhibitors/ARBs may be used in the treatment of the underlying hypertension rather than as treatment for HF. Similarly, beta-blockers are prescribed for pre-existing ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or atrial fibrillation.
What are the benefits of ARBs?
ARBs provide mortality and morbidity benefits in patients with HFrEF. The body of evidence for ACEI is greater than for ARBs. ARBs are generally chosen for patients who cannot tolerate ACEI. Beta-blockers. HF specific beta-blockers (carvedilol, bisoprolol, metoprolol extended-release, nebivolol) should be initiated in all patients ...
How are diuretics used?
Diuretics may be used in a flexible manner. Daily weight monitoring is an essential component in the assessment of fluid status and is useful in guiding diuretic dosing. Tools such as the Weight and symptom diary may assist patients to monitor changes in their weight.
Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)
ARNIs are a new drug combination of a neprilysin inhibitor and an ARB.
I f Channel Blocker (or inhibitor)
This drug class reduces the heart rate, similar to another class of drugs called beta blockers.
Diuretics (Also known as water pills)
Causes the body to rid itself of excess fluids and sodium through urination.
Other medications that might be prescribed
Your doctor may also prescribe other less commonly used drugs depending on your additional health problems. These drugs include:
