Treatment of Heart failure

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Acute heart failure is an emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment. If the patient has severe pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) they will be offered an oxygen mask to help them breathe more easily, and will be given an injection of diuretic drugs directly into the vein. Diuretics reduce fluid retention in the body by encouraging the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. Morphine may also be given to reduce anxiety, slow the heart rate and reduce the amount of strain on the heart. A mechanical ventilator may be used to assist breathing, in severe cases.

Effective treatment of chronic heart failure usually consists of treating the underlying cause, for example using anti-hypertensive drugs to treat high blood pressure, or performing surgery to correct a leaking heart valve.

Prolonged bed-rest should be avoided, unless specifically advised by your doctor or specialist. Eating a sensible diet, including reducing salt and alcohol intake, along with moderate exercise, will help to treat and prevent any weight problems associated with the condition.

A number of drugs are used to treat heart failure.

Diuretic drugs are used to reduce fluid retention in the tissues and especially the lungs.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, cause the blood vessels to widen and help the kidneys to remove water from the body. These are one of the most frequently used drugs for treating heart failure.
Beta-blockers are used in conjunction with ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce the force of the heartâ€™s contractions, which may initially worsen symptoms, but in the long term they improve heart function and the chances of survival.
Digoxin makes the heartbeat stronger but slower. It is often used in conjunction with other drugs, if ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics do not help and the condition worsens. It is also used to treat patients who have atrial fibrillation (a fast and irregular heartbeat).