Congestive Heart Failure: Treatment

A variety of medicines are available to help treat congestive heart failure. Some of the most frequently prescribed medications include:

• Diuretics: (water or fluid pills) Reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and body swelling.
• ACE inhibitors: Decrease blood pressure and lessen any strain on the heart. They may also help lessen the chance of a heart attack.
• Aldosterone Antagonists: Cause the body to dispose of excess salt and water in urine, helping lower the volume of blood that the heart must pump and lessening its workload.
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: Help decrease blood pressure and relax blood vessels
• Beta Blockers: Decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
• Isosorbide Dinitrate/Hydralazine Hydrochloride: Relax blood vessels.
• Digoxin: Makes the heart beat stronger.

If you have trouble breathing, you may be given an oxygen tank to make breathing easier and more productive.