Tanya Sklierenko (Markland Wood Pharmacy) for NP-UN, Toronto.
Heart failure commonly develops after the heart is weakened by certain heart diseases (such as heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, etc.). In heart failure, the capacity of the heart to pump blood is greatly decreased. This may lead to symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath or accumulation of fluid in the ankles (edema).
Heart failure is very commonly managed by a variety of medications. Listed below are common classes of medication used for the treatment of heart failure:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Beta-blockers
- Aldosterone receptor antagonists (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist)
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Digoxin
These medications play a vital role in improving the health of individuals with heart failure. Therefore, it is important to not stop any of the above medications abruptly without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Also, remember to avoid taking over‐the‐counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Many of these anti-inflammatory medications are known to worsen heart failure symptoms.
In addition to medications, many lifestyle modifications can be used to manage heart failure. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends the following strategies:
- Weigh yourself in the morning before breakfast. Write it down. Compare your weight today to your weight yesterday.
- Keep the total amount of fluids you drink to only 6 to 8 glasses each day.
- Check for swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, and stomach.
- Eat foods that are low in salt or salt-free.
- Balance activity and rest periods.
The following guide is a useful tool for monitoring heart failure symptoms from day-to-day: http://www.heartandstroke.com.
For more information on heart failure, visit one of our pharmacists at Markland Wood Pharmacy.
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