The American Heart Association reports that heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to all the organs in the body. It is also known as congestive heart failure and can be caused by a previous heart attack, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy or endocarditis. Heart failure can affect either or both sides of the heart. Treatment of this condition includes rest and proper diet.
Digoxin
In heart failure, the heart does not pump effectively. Digoxin, which is also referred to as digitalis, improves the heart's ability to contract effectively and pump blood to organs in the body. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, too much digoxin is dangerous. Symptoms like vomiting, fatigue and a slow heartbeat may indicate digoxin toxicity or overdose and should be reported to a physician as quickly as possible.
ACE inhibitors
Lisinopril, enalapril and captopril are examples of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. This group of medicines works by opening up the blood vessels so blood can flow better. This reduces the heart's workload and the amount of blood it has to pump. According to Mayo Clinic, ACE inhibitors help people with heart failure feel better and live longer.
Diuretics
Diuretics make a person urinate. Medications in this drug class are also referred to as water pills. In heart failure, diuretics reduce the amount of fluid in the body, which reduces the heart's workload. With less fluid in the body, the amount of blood the heart has to pump is reduced, so it does not have to work too hard. Diuretics also alleviate symptoms of heart failure associated with fluid accumulation such as fluid in the lungs and legs. Spironolactone, furosemide, bumetanide and chlorothiazide are examples of diuretics for heart failure treatment.
Beta Blockers
In heart failure, the heart tries to beat faster to pump more blood throughout the body. This puts even more strain on an already weakened heart. Beta blockers reduce the rate at which the heart beats. Beta blockers also lower blood pressure. These drugs are used to treat mild to moderate heart failure along with other medications such as digoxin, ACE inhibitors and diuretics. Carvedilol is a beta blocker.
