Drug treatment for patients with heart failure: understanding common drugs and precautions

1. Anti-heart failure drugs

ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)

Function: By inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme, it reduces the level of angiotensin II and reduces the burden on the heart.

Common drugs: Enalapril, Ibopamine, etc.

Note: May cause coughing, if it occurs please inform your doctor immediately.

ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)

Function: Block the effect of tensin II and reduce the burden on the heart.

Common drugs: Losartan, Irbesartan, etc.

Note: Suitable for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.

ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor)

Action: Combines ARB and neuropeptidase inhibitor to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Common drugs: Sitagliptin/Valsartan.

Note: This is a new drug, please consult your doctor before use.

Beta-antagonists

Function: Slow down the heart rate and reduce the burden on the heart.

Common drugs: Carvedilol, Metoprolol, etc.

Note: May cause fatigue, please inform your doctor if you feel unwell.

Diuretics

Function: Promote urine excretion and relieve fluid retention.

Common drugs: Furosemide, Torasemide, etc.

Note: Check electrolyte levels regularly to avoid electrolyte disturbances.

2. Precautions for drug treatment

Individualized treatment

Drug treatment should be individualized, and your doctor will adjust the type and dosage of medication according to your specific situation.

Monitoring biochemical indicators

Regularly check B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin (cTnT/cTnI) to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the regimen.

Electrolyte balance

Diuretic use may cause electrolyte imbalances, and your doctor will monitor closely and adjust treatment if necessary.

Catecholamine use

This type of drug has a positive inotropic effect and should be used under the advice of a doctor to avoid increasing the burden on the heart.

Avoid drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to avoid potential adverse interactions.

III. Patient Education and Participation

Proper use of medication

Make sure you understand the correct use, dosage, and mechanism of action of each medication, and always consult your doctor.

Symptom Monitoring and Reporting

Learn to monitor changes in heart failure symptoms and report them to your doctor promptly so that your treatment plan can be adjusted in a timely manner.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Drug treatment is only part of the problem; lifestyle adjustments such as a proper diet and moderate exercise are equally important.

IV. Patients’ Mental Health Support

Popularization of knowledge about heart failure

Understanding heart failure can help you build confidence in overcoming the disease.

Join a support group

Join a heart failure patient support group to share experiences with other patients and build a community of mutual support.

Seek professional psychological counseling

If you feel depressed or anxious, seek help from a professional psychologist in time.

Conclusion : Through this easy-to-understand guide, we hope that you will have a clearer understanding of heart failure drug treatment. Close communication with your doctor and taking medication according to the doctor's instructions are the key to improving treatment effectiveness. I believe that with the joint efforts of your doctor, you will be able to better manage heart failure and live a healthier and happier life. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult your doctor. I wish you good health and happiness! (Jiang Zhendong, Yingde People's Hospital)