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How to Treat Heart Failure

CHF or Congestive Heart Failure is a condition in which your heart is unable to pump the proper amount of blood your body requires. Causes, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, may help bring on heart failure and most doctors believe that CHF is a lifelong condition. If you suffer from heart failure, there are a variety of treatments available.

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Instructions

  1. Surviving Heart Failure

    • 1

      Take medications your cardiologist may prescribe that may help with easing symptoms of heart failure. Common drugs to treat heart failure include Digoxin, also known as digitalis, valsartan (Diovan), metroprolol (Lopressor), furosemide (Lasix), isorsorbide dinatrate and the like. The likelihood is that you will need to take at least two prescription drugs as a treatment for your disease.

    • 2

      If your condition is serious enough, your cardiologist may recommend that you have surgery, such as bypass surgery, to repair any damage that may have occurred with your heart. In extreme circumstances, heart replacement surgery may have to be performed. Although these are common surgeries that have proven successful in many cases, there are risks involved, including the possibility of death.

    • 3

      Another option is having a procedure, in which a cardioverter-defibrillator is implanted beneath your skin. Wires connect this device to your heart and it delivers a shock, whenever your heart rhythm is abnormal. This may carry some risk, as well, as some ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators) have been recalled, in recent years. Should you choose this treatment, make sure that you stay up-to-date on news about the safety of your ICD.

    • 4

      Look into EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation), which is a fairly new treatment that involves a patient's thighs, buttocks and calves being wrapped with cuffs that are inflated and deflated. so that your heart gets more blood flow. It requires a number of sessions to experience results, but is non-invasive and safe. Check to see if this procedure is offered in your area.

    • 5

      Consider an alternative approach that will compliment your conventional treatments, such as homeopathy, naturopathy. herbalism, Ayerveda and acupuncture. Never self-treat or go off your normal medication and make your cardiologist aware of any holistic therapies you are thinking of using. Consult a licensed, board-certified holistic practitioner who is knowledgeable about how to treat your condition. Check for any drug interactions and have your cardiologist monitor you on a regular basis.

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