Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a cardiovascular disorder characterized by ineffective pumping of the heart and the resulting fluid congestion from impaired circulation. As less blood pumps out of the heart, the blood on its way back toward the heart backs up into the tissues and possibly the lungs. This causes edema (swelling) of the lower extremities and difficulty breathing. An individual with CHF becomes easily fatigued and is unable for physical exertion. CHF can be right-sided or left-sided depending where heart failure has stemmed and is treated with several different classes of drugs.
Diuretics
Commonly called "water pills," diuretics help relieve the congestion aspect of heart failure. Diuretics work on the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and water from the body to minimize generalized edema and "drain" the fluid from the lungs. Numerous types of diuretics exist, and your doctor will choose the right one for your condition, depending on the electrolyte levels present in the blood.
Cardiac Glycosides
From the class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides, the most commonly prescribed drug for CHF is digoxin. Digoxin improves the pumping strength of the heart and slows down the heart rate. The drug also improves symptoms of CHF because it therapeutically increases cardiac output, or the volume of blood pumped out by the heart toward the rest of the body.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the mainstay treatment drugs for CHF that allow affected people to feel better and longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. ACE inhibitors work by preventing conversion of factors that lead to high blood pressure. Consequently, blood pressure decreases, as does the oxygen demand and workload of the heart. These actions improve overall function of the heart.
Beta Blockers
The American Heart Association includes the class of drugs called beta blockers in the treatment program for CHF. These drugs slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure and reduce the amount of blood the heart has to pump. Over time, these effects can improve the heart's pumping action and reduce CHF symptoms.
References
- American Heart Association: Congestive Heart Failure
- Mayo Clinic: Congestive Heart Failure Treatment
- "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses"; Judith Hopfer Deglin, PharmD; April Hazard Vallerand, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN; 2009
