Introduction[edit | edit source] Show The goal of therapy for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) is to improve symptom management and quality of life, decrease hospitalisations, and decrease overall mortality associated with this disease. The goal of pharmacologic therapy is to give all indicated agents rather than single agents because the aggregate effect of these therapies is better than monotherapy from any of the agents[1]. Pharmacological Management of Heart Failure[edit | edit source]Drugs used in heart failure include those used to initially manage mild to moderate failure and those used more commonly in severe to very severe conditions. First Agents Used:
Selection of agents and their combinations depend on initial clinical state and on patient responsiveness to initial therapy Additional Agents:
Selection of agents and their combinations depend on initial clinical state and on patient responsiveness to initial therapy[4]. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is indicated for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with HF who have an LVEF of less than or equal to 35%[1]. Conclusion[edit | edit source]As part of an interdisciplinary team, it is also essential that physical therapists be knowledgeable regarding the pharmacological treatment of CHF. The drugs used to manage CHF work by increasing cardiac contractility or decreasing cardiac workload.
Knowledge of these side effects will allow the therapist to consider the response to exercise prescription and other modalities in the context of the patient’s pharmacotherapy. Early recognition of these symptoms may prevent development of serious complications or even death. References[edit | edit source]
What is the first line drug for heart failure?First-line drug therapy for all patients with HFrEF should include an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and beta blocker. These medications have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality.
What is the most common heart medication?The following are some of the most common heart medications:. Aspirin to prevent blood clots. ... . ACE inhibitors or ARBs to treat high blood pressure and other conditions. ... . Antiarrhythmics to treat arrythmias. ... . Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots. ... . Beta blockers to help your heart work better.. |