Patients with HF can benefit from attention to exercise, diet, and nutrition. Restriction of activity promotes physical deconditioning, so physical activity should be encouraged. However, limitation of activity is appropriate during acute HF exacerbations and in patients with suspected myocarditis. Most patients should not participate in heavy labor or exhaustive sports.
Nitrates are potent venodilators. These agents decrease preload and therefore decrease LV filling pressure and relieve dyspnea. They also selectively produce epicardial coronary artery vasodilatation and help with myocardial ischemia. Although nitrates can be used in different forms (sublingual, oral, transdermal, intravenous), the most common route of administration in acute HF is intravenous. However, their use is limited by tachyphylaxis and headache.
A combination of three types of drugs (a diuretic, an ACEI or an ARB, and a beta-blocker) is recommended in the routine management of most patients with HF. ACEIs/ARBs and beta-blockers are generally used together. Beta-blockers are started in the hospital once euvolemic status has been achieved.
Because of the possibility of ventricular recovery and lengthened patient survival, most patients with HF and aortic stenosis are offered valve replacement.
For additional information, refer to the following clinical practice guidelines:
2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines
2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Failure Society of America
European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Acute and Chronic Heart Failure Guidelines
Learn more about the treatment of HF.
Editor's Recommendations
Medscape © 2021 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Yasmine S. Ali. Fast Five Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Key Aspects of Heart Failure - Medscape - Feb 08, 2021.
Comments