Heart Failure

Summary

Part of the Living With Heart Failure Series.

This video explains that although medications cannot cure heart failure they have to be taken in order to control symptoms. It covers the main classifications of drugs (ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers, Beta blockers, diuretics, and Aldosterone blockers) and how each medication works to manage symptoms. Medication guidelines, side effects, dosage adjustments and when to call the healthcare team are included. The cost of the medications is mentioned in the video, opening the door for a dialogue about the problems this may be causing for the patient.

Details

1. Introduction: Medications cannot cure heart failure, but they can help you control your symptoms, feel better, and live longer.
2. Understanding Heart Failure
   1. The heart pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients our bodies need to function.
   2. When you have heart failure, your heart is weakened, and pumps less blood.
   3. To help the heart pump more blood, chemicals called hormones are released.
      1. They make your heart bigger, and beat faster.
      2. They also tighten your blood vessels.
   4. Physical changes caused by hormones actually weaken the heart more and it pumps less blood.
   5. Heart Failure symptoms occur when the body does not get enough blood.
      1. Fluid begins building up in the body. This is called edema and causes many symptoms.
         1. Shortness of breath is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.
         2. Swelling and loss of appetite are caused by fluid buildup in the feet, legs, hands, face and abdomen.
      2. Heart Failure can make you very tired because your muscles are not getting the blood they need to work properly.
3. Understanding Your Heart Failure Medications
   1. Each of your medications works in a different way to help you control your symptoms.
      1. Some medications help relieve symptoms by improving the flow of blood through your body.
      2. Other medications work to relieve symptoms by helping the body get rid of fluid.
   2. ACE Inhibitors
      1. Include: captopril, enalapril, benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril, and fosinopril.
      2. Ace Inhibitors are the most often prescribed heart failure medication.
      3. They block the hormones that tighten your blood vessels. The more relaxed your blood vessels are, the easier it is for blood to move through your body.
   3. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
      1. Include: losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, and candesartan.
      2. They are similar to ACE Inhibitors and may sometimes be recommended for people who cannot take ACE Inhibitors.
   4. Beta Blockers
      1. They include carvedilol and metoprolol.
      2. They block the hormones that enlarge the heart and make it beat faster, helping your heart pump more blood.
   5. Diuretics
      1. Furosemide
      2. Diuretics help the body get rid of fluid.
   6. Aldosterone Blockers
      1. Include: Spironalactone and Eplerenone.
      2. They help the heart pump more blood by blocking other hormones that can weaken it.
   7. Side effects
      1. Some medications may cause side effects.
      2. Common side effects include: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, lightheadedness, skin rash, and/or a cough.
      3. Diuretics may rid the body of potassium. If this happens you may need to take Potassium supplements, or eat more foods high in potassium.
      4. If your medications cause side effects, let your healthcare team know. They may be able to adjust your prescription.
      5. Contact your healthcare team immediately if you develop:
         1. A sudden weight gain of 3-5 lbs.
         2. An increased feeling of tiredness
         3. A loss of appetite
         4. An increase in swelling
         5. Increased shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
         6. The inability to sleep or lie flat
         7. Swelling in your abdomen or a full feeling, or dizziness
4. Medication Guidelines
   1. Your heart failure medications will only work if you take them as prescribed.
      1. If you do not, your symptoms will get worse.
      2. Ask your doctor about what to do in case you miss a medication dose.
   2. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you take.
   3. Discuss any allergies or reactions you have had to medications in the past.
   4. Try and have your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy. That way your pharmacist is aware of all the medications you are taking.
   5. Keeping track of your medications:
      1. Mark off on a checklist or a calendar when you take your medications each day.
      2. Use a pill organizer.
      3. Make taking them a part of your daily routine.
      4. Make a list of your current medications, and carry them with you so you can refer to them quickly.
   6. If you are worried about the cost of medications, talk to your healthcare team. You may qualify for a program that can help you get your medications at a reduced cost.
5. Conclusion: Remember, your Heart Failure medications are one of the most important tools you have to help control your heart failure symptoms. If you take them as prescribed, they can help you live a longer, more enjoyable life.