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Taking your medications correctly is very important in
controlling symptoms of CHF. A good idea to ensure that you take
your medications everyday at the correct time is to have a schedule that
is centered around meals and at bedtime. You can also have your
pills setup in a daily medicine container. These can be purchased at
the local pharmacy. It is important that you understand the medicine
that you are on and why.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
are shown to improve symptoms of CHF. They lower blood pressure.
Examples include :captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec),
fosinopril sodium (Monopril), and lisinopril (Zestril).
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Angiotensin II receptor blocking agents (ARBS) are usually
given to people that can not take ACE inhibitors. Examples include:
losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), and irbesartan (Avapro).
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Diuretics or better known as "water pills" help remove
excess fluid. Examples include: furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex),
torsemide (Demadex), or metolazone (Zaroxolyn).
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Home Page
Last modified:
11/16/05
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Beta
blockers can be used with CHF patients. These drugs slow your
heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Examples include
metoprolol (Lopressor), carvedilol (Coreg), or bisoprolol (Zebeta). |
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Digoxin (Lanoxin) can improve heart failure symptoms by strengthening
the heart so that it pumps more blood. |
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Spironolactone is a medications that has shown to improve symptoms of
CHF and reduce hospital readmission. This drug reduces salt and water
retention. |
Because of the loss of nutrients that can occur when taking "water pills",
talk to tour doctor about taking dietary supplements. |
