The American Heart Association defines congestive heart failure as a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body's organs. Congestive heart failure can be caused by coronary heart disease, scar tissue resulting from a past heart attack, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease and infection of the heart valve or heart muscle. Common symptoms of heart failure include swelling of the legs and ankles, fatigue and shortness of breath. The National Institute of Health estimates that 5.7 million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure. Along with lifestyle changes, several different types of medications can help an individual suffering from heart failure live longer and increase his quality of life.
Angiotension-Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
Angiotension II constricts blood vessels. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme necessary for converting angiotensin I into angiotension 2, thus widening the blood vessels which allows blood to flow more easily through the vessels, decreasing the workload of the heart. ACE inhibitors are a good choice of medication for individuals with diabetes, asthma or who have had a heart attack. Side effects of ACE inhibitors include dry cough, swelling in tissues of the body, dizziness, rash and allergy-like symptoms. ACE inhibitors may also cause excess potassium in the body, especially in individuals with kidney problems.
Angiotension-Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Angiotension-receptor blockers inhibit the action of angiotension II, thus relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the workload of the heart. ARBs have less severe side effects than ACE inhibitors but can cause headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, diarrhea and back and leg pain. Rare side effects include kidney failure, liver failure, decreased white blood cells and angioedema.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers work by blocking epinephrine which slows down the heart rate and reduces the work of the heart, thus reducing blood pressure. The University of Maryland states that when treating congestive heart failure, beta blockers should be used in combination with ACE inhibitors, diuretics or digoxin. Side effects include light-headedness, sexual problems, drowsiness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, edema, decreased heart rate and depression. Beta blockers should be taken with meals or after meals to reduce the probability of side effects. Heart rate should be monitored daily when taking beta blockers to ensure heart rate does not get dangerously slow.
Diuretics
Congestive heart failure causes fluid retention in the body that leads to shortness of breath and swollen legs and ankles. Diuretics cause the body to remove excess water and sodium through urination, which helps lower blood pressure, decrease symptoms of breathlessness and improve exercise capacity. Diuretics can cause weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, increased blood sugar, dehydration and dry mouth. Due to excess fluid loss, a diet high in potassium or potassium supplements may be needed. Potassium sparing diuretics can cause an excess of potassium (hyperkalemmia) in the body. Signs and symptom of hyperkalemia include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Dixogin
Digoxin is a digitalis prescribed to reduce the size of the heart, increase the pumping action of the heart and decrease certain heart arrhythmia. Individuals taking digoxin must be carefully monitored for toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, irregular heart beat, confusion and fainting. Certain drugs and foods interact with digoxin, increasing the risk of toxicity. It is important to seek medical advice regarding possible interactions.
