When the heart cannot pump sufficient blood, the condition is known as congestive heart failure.It occurs when an underlying health disorder weakens or damages the heart muscles or the pumping chambers of the heart.Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of congestive heart failure.It may also develop in people with damaged heart valves, abnormal heart rhythms, infection of the heart muscles and congenital heart defects. Diabetes, hypertension, severe anemia, thyroid problems and other chronic diseases increase the risk of congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. However, it is a chronic condition. Hence, lifelongtreatment is needed for managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life and the lifespan of the patient.
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment
Medications
Vasodilators
The symptoms of congestive heart failure are usually treated with multiple drugs. Drugs that help to dilate the blood vessels are prescribed by doctors to improve the condition of people diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
They work by easing blood flow, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload of the damaged heart muscles. Medications that help to widen the blood vessels include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Beta Blockers
In addition to reducing the blood pressure level, beta-blockers help to heal the damaged heart.
Digoxin
This drug stimulates contraction of the heart muscles. It also helps to normalize the heart rate.
Diuretics
Edema or fluid buildup in the body tissues is a common symptom of congestive heart failure. Diuretics promote fluid loss through urination.
However, the levels of potassium and magnesium in your body are affected by diuretic intake. Hence, you must adjust your diet to maintain the normal reserve of these minerals essential for the health and function of the heart.
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Supplements
Along with medications, congestive heart failure patients need certain supplements to maintain heart function.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that supports the energy producing function of the mitochondria in the cells.
Congestive heart failure patients suffer from coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Coenzyme Q10 supplements, by boosting the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in the heart tissues, help to improve the pumping function of the heart.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is a type of amino acid essential for metabolism of fatty acids. It is needed for energy production in the muscles. L-carnitine helps to increase the exercising capacity of congestive heart failure patients.
Magnesium
Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm in people with congestive heart failure can be treated with magnesium.
Magnesium supplements are especially needed to prevent deficiency of this important mineral due to intake of diuretics or water pills.
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Creatine
Creatine is a type of amino acid that occurs naturally in the heart muscles. It stimulates the pumping function of the heart.
Herbal Therapy
Goldenseal and hawthorn are recommended by herbalists for treating the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Goldenseal contains a natural vasodilator called berberine.Studies suggest that hawthorn reduces blood pressure, eases blood circulation, normalizes heartbeat and improves endurance.
Stress Management
Stress management is an important aspect of heart failure treatment. By boosting heartbeat, stress worsens the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure patients can fight stress with yoga, deep breathing exercises and meditation.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.