Treatment of heart failure: important medications and lifestyle measures

Treatment is necessary and very important. Any interruption or violation of treatment exposes the patient to complications and acute deterioration of health and even death.

The challenge is to focus on the triggering cause. At this point, it is important to support heart function and prevent acute failure.

In the treatment, drug groups are used, such as:

diuretics - urinary medications - reduce the amount of fluid in the body and bloodstream
ACE inhibitors - blood pressure medications
beta-blockers - regulate and slow the heart rate
digoxin - helps heart function
anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents - for example in atrial fibrillation, to prevent thrombosis and embolization (blood clots)
angiotensin II receptor blockers - regulate blood pressure and thus heart function
nitrates, to dilate the blood vessels of the heart
antiarrhythmics - in the treatment of arrhythmias
hypolipidemics - to reduce blood fats
MRA - mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
inotropic substances such as dopamine, dobutamine

Medical treatment is supported by regimen measures, and these include:

lifestyle change
adequate physical load
medical rehabilitation
rational nutrition and diet
optimising body weight
reduction of salt intake
alcohol restriction
smoking cessation
drinking regime, as recommended by your doctor
combination of other medicines consulted with a doctor
psychohygiene and psychotherapy
avoiding psychological stress
beware of saunas or places that are too cold
- and staying at high altitudes

In some cases, surgical treatment or another invasive method is necessary. Examples are coronary bypass, valve surgery or coronary angioplasty.

In rhythm disturbances, electrical stimulation is used in the form of automatic pacemakers pacemakers or defibrillators, cardioverter-defibrillators. It is also referred to as an ICD - short for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

In the most severe stage of heart failure, a heart transplant is needed.

Prevention includes:

healthy lifestyle
- physical activity
- rational diet
sufficient treatment
- high blood pressure
- Ischemic heart disease
- arrhythmias
- diabetes
weight reduction in obesity
stress reduction
limiting sodium and fat intake
smoking cessation
stop alcoholism and drugs

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth

Healthcare worker

The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.

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