Treatment of heart failure: important medications and lifestyle measures

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

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:

  1. diuretics - urinary medications - reduce the amount of fluid in the body and bloodstream
  2. ACE inhibitors - blood pressure medications
  3. beta-blockers - regulate and slow the heart rate
  4. digoxin - helps heart function
  5. anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents - for example in atrial fibrillation, to prevent thrombosis and embolization (blood clots)
  6. angiotensin II receptor blockers - regulate blood pressure and thus heart function
  7. nitrates, to dilate the blood vessels of the heart
  8. antiarrhythmics - in the treatment of arrhythmias
  9. hypolipidemics - to reduce blood fats
  10. MRA - mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
  11. 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
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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