Medicines
Most people take several medicines. For heart failure where the heart pumps weakly (reduced ejection fraction), these usually include:
- an ACE inhibitor (such as ramipril), an ARB, or sacubitril valsartan
- a beta blocker (such as bisoprolol)
- a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (such as spironolactone)
- an SGLT2 inhibitor (such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin)
Doses are usually started low and increased slowly. You will have regular blood tests.
Water tablets (diuretics), such as furosemide, help remove extra fluid and ease breathlessness and swelling.
Devices and surgery
- a pacemaker that helps both sides of the heart beat together (cardiac resynchronisation therapy)
- an ICD, a device that can shock the heart back into rhythm
- surgery to repair heart valves or improve blood flow
- a heart transplant, for a small number of people
Cardiac rehabilitation
You should be offered a cardiac rehabilitation programme with exercise, education and support.
Specialist care
A heart failure specialist nurse can adjust your medicines and help you manage your condition at home. Palliative care services can help with symptoms at any stage.
Common questions
Why am I taking so many tablets?
Each medicine works in a different way, and together they protect your heart much more than any one alone. Do not stop any of them without talking to your team, even if you feel better.
Sources we used
- NICE guideline NG106, Chronic heart failure in adults
- NHS, Heart failure
- Pumping Marvellous Foundation
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