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The goals of treatment include treating the underlying disease, relieving stress on the heart and minimizing symptoms and risks of worsening heart failure.
- Consultation with a heart specialist is recommended.
- Hospitalization may be required when symptoms are severe.
- Treatment of underlying disease may include opening blocked heart arteries by either cardiac catheterization or bypass surgery, treatment of high blood pressure, or avoidance of heart toxins such as alcohol.
- Decreasing salt intake, avoiding alcohol and doing moderate exercise as tolerated are recommended.
- Diuretics (medication to accelerate removal of body water) such as furosemide (Lasix) or spironolactone (Aldactone) are given to treat fluid retention
- Medications to decrease heart stress, such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, are also given. These medications also prevent further muscle damage and scarring, especially when the heart muscle is weak.
- Digoxin may be given to increase muscle strength and slow down abnormally fast heart rates.
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In severe cases, IV medications are given to promote water removal and to increase heart pumping function.
A number of studies have shown that heart failure symptoms can be improved with a special type of pacemaker. It paces both the right and left sides of heart. This is referred to as biventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy. Ask your provider if you are a candidate for this.
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