Heart Medications

Heart failure medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms associated with heart failure and to slow the progression of heart disease. Only your doctor can determine the right combination of medications to treat your heart failure symptoms and inform you of potential risks. The medications most commonly used are listed below.

ACE inhibitors – most heart failure patients are on angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. They can help control symptoms and may slow the advance of the disease. ACE inhibitors reduce the heart’s workload by making the blood vessels expand, which lowers blood pressure. They also reduce the tendency to retain salt and fluid.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) – similar to ACE inhibitors, these are used to keep blood pressure from rising. They lower blood pressure without lowering heart rate.

Beta-blockers – help control heart rate and reduce the heart’s tendency to beat faster. Used to help the heart maintain a slower rate and lower blood pressure. Often used in combination with diuretics, digoxin and ACE inhibitors.

Blood thinners – used to reduce the risk of blood clots in legs, lungs and heart.

Calcium channel blocker – sometimes used to help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation in the heart.

Diuretics (water pills) – medications prescribed for fluid retention and swelling of feet, legs and abdomen. Diuretics prompt the kidneys to filter more sodium and water from the blood. With less fluid in the body, the heart can pump and circulate blood with less effort. Additionally, diuretics can decrease fluid retention in the lungs, ankles, legs and other parts of the body.

Digoxin – increases the force of the heart’s contractions to relieve heart failure symptoms. Slows certain types of arrhythmia.

Potassium – helps control heart rhythm and is important to the nervous system and muscles. Because diuretics remove potassium, doctors may advise some patients to increase potassium intake.

Vasodilators – cause the blood vessels to widen or relax so blood can flow more easily. ACE inhibitors are one type of vasodilator. These can help relieve symptoms and improve tolerance for exercise. Can also be used to reduce chest pain.

Compiled with information from the American Heart Association, Cleveland Clinic Heart Book and mayoclinic.com .

While heart medications may slow the progression of heart disease, there also may be risks involved with these medications and their long-term effects. Consult your doctor. Not all patients respond to therapy the same way and results may vary.