Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
As with most disorders, the earlier that congestive heart failure is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will
succeed. This is why it is important to be able to spot the first signs of the disorder and to seek prompt medical
attention when they appear. More than likely, your doctor will recommend on or more of the following steps.
A complete physical. Often, the most effective way to treat congestive heart failure is to treat its
underlying cause, and the chief purpose of a thorough examination is to identify that cause. If the cause is
high blood pressure, for example, lowering it will almost automatically make the heart failure more amenable
to treatment. On the other hand, if the underlying problem is a heart attack, bed rest and a program of coronary
care may be instituted.
Drugs. An effective treatment of progressive heart failure is a drug called digitalis. When given in small
doses, digitalis not only slows the heart's rate but also increases the force of each beat, so that each of these
beats can move more blood. In certain cases, nitroglycerin may also be prescribed to ease the discomfort. New
vasodilator drugs to widen the blood vessels are also increasingly used for easing the load on a failing heart.
Diuretics are used to reduce fluid retention.
Life-style factors. When appropriate, a physician may also recommend weight loss, suggest that salt intake
be restricted since it promotes water retention and urge that the individual rest frequently during the day.
Summing Up
Congestive heart failure--related to a relative breakdown in the heart's ability to pump blood--is a highly
treatable condition when its symptoms are recognized promptly and brought to a physician's attention. In most cases
of early detection, it is a reversible syndrome that can be improved with proper treatment and life-style adjustments.
