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Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Guidelines

Congestive heart failure is a condition resulting from a weakened heart muscle. When the heart becomes weak, it can no longer pump a sufficient amount of blood to other organs. Heart failure can be caused by obesity, high blood pressure, an abnormal heart valve, a birth defect, arrhythmias and more. Many times, you do not even know you have a condition that can cause heart failure. Though this disease is chronic and develops over time, onset of symptoms can appear suddenly. The American Heart Association estimates 5.7 million Americans live with heart failure.

  1. Medication

    • According to The Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of congestive heart failure can be treated with medication. It is not unusual for someone to take a combination of medications to treat a chronic heart condition. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve blood flow and control high blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers work like ACEs, but with different side affects. Digoxin strengthens heart-muscle contractions. Beta blockers lower blood pressure. Diuretics prevent the body from holding fluids. Aldosterone antagonists improve heart function.

    Lifestyle changes

    • In addition to medication, doctors recommend a number of lifestyle changes that can reverse some conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. The Cleveland Clinic recommends exercising to strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve circulation and reduce the risk of exacerbating an existing heart condition. The health journal, "Archives of Internal Medicine," reported that women who limited salt in their diets had a lower incidence of heart failure compared to women who did not limit salt in their diet. Other recommended lifestyle changes include managing stress, quitting smoking, eating more fruit and vegetables and treatment for depression.

    Surgery/Devices

    • For those with severe congenital heart disease who have tried medication and lifestyle changes with little or no success, doctors may recommend surgery. A patient may have an angioplasty for arteries that are narrowed or blocked with plaque. The doctor will insert a tube with a balloon on the end of it into the blocked artery. Inflating the balloon, it is hoped, will expand the artery, move the plaque to the artery walls, and clear the blockage. If this surgery is not successful, the next step is to have coronary bypass surgery. Using a vein from another part of the body, the surgeon will create a new passage for the blood to flow into. It is not unusual for someone to need more than one bypass. Heart valve surgery is performed when an individual has heart-valve disease or a valve does not open or close properly.

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