How is Heart Failure Treated?
Heart failure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and can be treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and medical devices or surgical interventions.
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats.
- Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Smoking: These substances can worsen heart failure symptoms.
Medications
Several medications are commonly prescribed to help manage heart failure:
- ACE Inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload.
- Beta-Blockers: Slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Diuretics: Help reduce fluid buildup in the body.
- ARNI: A combination of sacubitril and valsartan to improve outcomes.
Medical Devices and Surgical Interventions
For some patients, procedures may be necessary:
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Monitors and treats life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Improves heart function by coordinating the heartbeat.
- Heart Transplant: May be necessary for severe cases where other treatments fail.
Close monitoring and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial for managing heart failure effectively.