Congestive Heart Failure Treatment

What Are the Tests and Treatments?
Diagnostic tests for CHF include:

• BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) blood test - measures the level of BNP hormone in your blood; the higher the level the greater the chance of heart failure
  
• Cardiac catheterization
• Chest x-ray
• Coronary angiography
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Exercise stress test (cardiac stress test)
• Holter monitor
• Nuclear heart scan
• Pharmacologic stress test
• Thyroid function tests
  

There are medications that can be used to treat CHF, such as:

• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors works on the natural chemicals in the body that are involved in regulating blood pressure, resulting in lower blood pressure
• Beta blockers blocks chemical called noradrenalin, which can widen the arteries and decrease the work of the heart
• Digitalis medicines strengthen the heartbeat
• Diuretics help remove excess fluid and salt from the body
• Nitrates relax and widen the blood vessels in the body, allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to the heart
  

Surgeries and procedures to treat CHF include:

• Enhanced counterpulsation (ECP)
• Heart valve replacement surgery
• Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)iInsertion
• Ventricular assist device placement
• Valvulosplasty (Balloon or Surgical)
• Heart transplant (when all other treatments fail to control symptoms)

Medical devices that may be used are:

• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
• Balloon Valvuloplasty Catheter
• Enhanced Counterpulsation (ECP) Device
• Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
• Prosthetic Heart Valve
  

But the treatment a person has the most control over is the same one that can help prevent congestive heart failure in the first place leading a healthy lifestyle:

• Exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Control blood pressure.
• Control blood cholesterol.
• Prevent and manage diabetes mellitus.
• Quit or do not start smoking.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough sleep.
  

Excerpted and adapted from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<<PREVIOUSLY: Causes of Congestive Heart Failure<<

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08