Treatment for
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure
This class of medications helps remove excess fluid from the body to ease symptoms of CHF.
What are diuretics?
This lifestyle habit, when stopped, significantly reduces the risk of developing heart failure.
What is smoking?
This imaging test is the gold standard for evaluating ejection fraction in CHF.
What is an echocardiogram?
Patients with CHF are advised to limit this mineral to reduce fluid retention.
What is sodium?
This chronic condition, when poorly controlled, increases the risk of heart failure.
What is diabetes?
These medications, like lisinopril and enalapril, reduce afterload and improve survival in CHF.
What are ACE inhibitors?
Maintaining this measurement under 120/80 mmHg is key to preventing heart failure.
What is blood pressure?
This blood test measures a peptide released when the heart is under stress.
What is BNP or NT-proBNP?
Patients should monitor this daily to detect early signs of fluid overload.
What is body weight?
This condition, often called the ?silent killer,? is a major modifiable risk factor for CHF.
What is hypertension?
This device may be implanted to help synchronize heartbeats in patients with heart failure and conduction delays.
What is a biventricular pacemaker (CRT)
This type of physical activity, done regularly, helps reduce the risk of heart failure.
What is aerobic exercise?
This diagnostic tool records the heart?s electrical activity and may show signs of ischemia or arrhythmia.
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
This symptom, often occurring at night, may indicate worsening CHF and should be reported.
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea?
This is a body weight status often linked to poor diet and inactivity, increases CHF risk.
What is obesity?
This medication class, including carvedilol and metoprolol, slows the heart rate and reduces mortality in CHF.
What are beta-blockers?
This type of cholesterol, when elevated, contributes to atherosclerosis and heart failure risk
What is LDL cholesterol?
This imaging test provides detailed pictures of the heart and can assess structural abnormalities.
What is a cardiac MRI?
Patients should avoid this type of over-the-counter medication, which can cause fluid retention
What are NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)?
This condition, caused by narrowed coronary arteries, is a leading cause of CHF.
What is coronary artery disease?
This advanced mechanical device supports heart function in patients with end-stage CHF.
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
This class of medications, often prescribed for high cholesterol, may help prevent heart failure by preventing heart attacks.
What are statins?
This invasive test measures pressures in the heart chambers and can confirm heart failure diagnosis.
What is right heart catheterization?
This tool helps patients track symptoms, weight, and medications to manage CHF effectively
What is a heart failure action plan or diary?
This irregular heart rhythm can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
What is atrial fibrillation?