Treating Congestive Heart Failure

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

CHF may be caused by another condition. Treating the other condition should improve or cure your CHF.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid alcohol.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Lose weight if necessary.
• Eat a healthful diet. This may include a diet that is low in fat and salt, and high in fiber.
• Ask your doctor if you need to restrict fluids. Find out how much salt and fluid is right for you.
• Work with your doctor to develop an exercise program.
• Weigh yourself every morning so you can detect fluid retention early.

Medications

Medications include:

• Diuretics
• Digitalis
• ACE-inhibiting medications
• Beta-blockers
• Nitrates
• Hydralazine

Left-Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

This is a mechanical pump that can be implanted in your chest. It temporarily assists the heart's pumping. The pump may take over the function of either or both ventricles. Initially it has been used only for patients awaiting heart transplant. In recent years it has emerged as possible long-term treatment for some patients.

Cardiomyoplasty

This is a surgical procedure in which a muscle from the back is removed and wrapped around the heart. A mechanical device stimulates the transplanted muscle to squeeze the heart, thus assisting the heart's pumping action.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Placement

Patients with heart failure are more prone to certain heart arrhythmias that put them at risk for sudden cardiac death. ICDs are implanted in those patients to prevent such arrhythmias from occurring.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Some patients with heart failure benefit from a specific type of electrical stimulation to the ventricles. This allows the ventricles to contract in a synchronized matter. It can improve CHF symptoms.

Heart Transplant

This is reserved for the most severe cases of congestive heart failure.