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

Last Modified Date: February 5, 2010

All content on dLife.com is created and reviewed in compliance with our editorial policy.

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