Heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump enough blood for the body to function correctly. Which heart failure treatment your doctor recommends depends on many factors, including the severity of the condition and how far along the disease has progressed. If left untreated, heart failure can eventually lead to a heart attack, so it is vital to take preventative measures to diagnose and treat this condition as early as possible. Here are four common treatments for heart failure.
You may be prescribed one or more of several heart failure treatments after a cardiologist diagnoses you with this condition. Here are some of the treatments to expect.
If your heart failure is mild or caught early, you can treat the condition or mitigate the symptoms by taking better care of yourself and making certain lifestyle changes. Some self-care regimens include losing excess weight, starting a low sodium diet, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and engaging in physical activity that is deemed safe by your cardiologist. Activities that benefit your mental health, such as managing stress and reducing anxiety, are also recommended in a typical heart failure treatment. Your cardiologist will want to check back with you frequently to ensure that these self-care measures are working and examine you to see if further treatment is necessary.
You may be prescribed a medication regimen along with self-care for the treatment of your heart condition. Common medications for heart failure include beta blockers, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and medicine to lower blood pressure. Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and let your doctor know if you experience any concerning side effects due to a drug. Each medicine does something different to support heart health, so never discontinue one without the supervision of your cardiologist. For example, beta blockers help reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure, while diuretics help prevent the swelling that heart failure may cause.
New technology in heart failure treatment allows patients to live longer than ever, and these technologies include devices such as the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The ICD is used to treat severe heart failure and works by delivering a shock to the heart when an irregular heartbeat is detected. Another device is the left ventricular assist device, which assists the heart with pumping blood. Which device you receive depends on numerous factors that you will discuss with your cardiologist.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases of heart failure, including instances of a coronary artery blockage. Coronary artery bypass surgery involves rerouting heart muscles away from a blocked artery to restore proper blood flow to the heart.
Heart failure can be a scary diagnosis, but there are many treatments to allow you to live a full and active life. Consult your cardiologist if you have any questions related to your treatment.
If you have any symptoms of heart failure, it is vital that you get properly assessed for this condition. Contact our office today if you have any questions or concerns.
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