Chronic heart failure, the classification of which, according to NYHA (New York Association of Cardiologists), is based on a clinical assessment of the presence and severity of a limited functional state of patients. The main symptoms causing a decrease in physical activity include palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath and fatigue. Deficiencies in the NYHA classification are limited gradation and subjectivity criteria. As a result of this, almost all patients with a detailed clinical picture belong to the third or fourth class.
Treatment of chronic heart failure is most often performed on an outpatient basis. The therapeutic effect is not only aimed at eliminating the underlying disease. The treatment course also includes the limitation of psychoemotional stress and a decrease in physical activity, physiotherapy exercises. In addition, it is mandatory to follow a diet rich in vitamins and protein with a decrease in the amount of salt and liquid.
As part of the treatment, a drug effect is also carried out. It is believed that the best treatment for heart failure resulting from atrial tachyarrhythmia is cardiac glycosides. Inside appoint "Celanide", "Digoxin" and others. The dosage of drugs is selected by the doctor.
When hydrothorax, peripheral puffiness, ascites are detected, diuretic preparations (Furosemide, Hypothiazide, Uregit, and others) are used. In some cases, they are prescribed in combination with aldosterone antagonists (with Veroshpiron hyperaldosteronism) and potassium preparations (with hypokalemia potassium chloride). Such medicines as Triampur, Triamteren - potassium-sparing diuretics have a long-lasting effect.
It is often advisable to prescribe drugs that can improve hemodynamics due to peripheral vasodilating effects (vasodilators). It is believed that the best treatment for heart failure with this property is inhibitors that affect both venous and arterial vessels. The most common of these include Enalapril, Kapoten and others. In some cases (rarely) nitrates are used. For example, Nitrosorbide, Nitroglycerin (lowering venous tone), Phentolamine (expanding arterioles), Prazosin (affecting the tone of venules and arterioles). Their use can help reduce blood pressure, the development of puffiness, which is resistant to the influence of diuretics , increase or the occurrence of tachycardia. It should be noted that the appointment of vasodilators and control over the dosage of administration is carried out only by a doctor.
However, undoubtedly, the best treatment for heart failure is the timely diagnosis and elimination of pathologies preceding it.
Normalizing the balance of mineral salts and water in the body will allow you to get rid of puffiness, improve blood circulation. In addition, heart load will decrease, the risk of developing heart rhythm disturbances.
Along with this, daily monitoring of the excreted and absorbed fluid is necessary. You need to be weighed regularly.
In some cases, changing the regime of the day, nutrition, and drinking fluids is the best treatment for heart failure. These measures can eliminate blueness of the skin, shortness of breath, swelling. Patients with heart failure need a favorable environment both at home and at work. It is necessary to exclude stressful situations, to provide the necessary duration of sleep.
However, in the later stages of the disease more radical measures are required.