About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Medication for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Introduction
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This often leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other organs. Effective treatment includes lifestyle modifications, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
Classes of Medications Used in CHF
1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
- Help relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload.
- Examples: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril.
- Effect: Lowers blood pressure, reduces symptoms, and improves survival.
2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
- Used as an alternative to ACE inhibitors if side effects occur.
- Examples: Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan.
- Effect: Similar to ACE inhibitors but without cough side effects.
3. Beta-Blockers
- Slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
- Examples: Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol.
- Effect: Increases survival and improves heart function.
4. Diuretics
- Help remove excess fluid from the body.
- Examples: Furosemide, Torsemide, Spironolactone.
- Effect: Reduces swelling and breathlessness.
5. Aldosterone Antagonists
- Help reduce fluid retention and prevent heart remodeling.
- Examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone.
- Effect: Improves survival in heart failure patients.
6. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors
- Originally used for diabetes, now beneficial in heart failure.
- Examples: Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin.
- Effect: Reduces risk of hospitalization and improves survival.
7. Digoxin
- Improves heart contraction strength.
- Effect: Reduces symptoms but does not improve survival.
8. Ivabradine
- Reduces heart rate in specific CHF patients.
- Effect: Helps in patients with high heart rates despite beta-blockers.
Conclusion
A combination of these medications, guided by a cardiologist, can significantly improve quality of life and survival in CHF patients. It is essential to take medications as prescribed and regularly monitor heart function.
Additional Considerations
- Regular doctor visits and lifestyle modifications are crucial.
- Low salt diet and fluid restrictions are often recommended.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35363499/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.