Treatment for Heart Failure

Heart failure needs lifelong management. Treatment for heart failure depends on the severity of your condition. Three types of treatment are done for heart failure – treatment by a doctor, treatment by medication and surgical treatment.

Combinations of medicine will be given depending on your heart attack symptoms. Few medications that your physician might prescribe are

• ACE-inhibitors, which are used to dilate blood vessels and improve the flow of blood.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockage works similarly to ACE-inhibitors and is prescribed in people who can’t tolerate ACE-inhibitors.
• Digoxin increases heart muscle strength.
• Beta-blockers slow your heartbeat and reduce blood pressure.
• Diuretics make you urinate frequently and prevent fluid accumulation.
• Aldosterone antagonists help in removing scarring heart tissues makes the heart work better & increases your lifespan.

In some severe cases, where medications do not prove effective, doctors may proceed for surgical treatments like:

Coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery to remove the blockage in arteries implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may be placed under the skin to check heart rhythm.

• Biventricular pacing for effective pumping
• Left ventricular assist devices or LVADs for proper heart pump
• Heart valve replacement surgery
• Complete heart transplantation

Your doctor will examine you regularly to check your everyday improvement. Your frequent visits will help to determine how well you are responding to the treatment and will decide on whether to continue the present treatment or to make some changes in your treatment.