Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure or CHF is a condition where there is weakening in the pumping action of the heart due to fluid buildup in the body. This medical condition develops over a period of time and leads to enlargement of the heart. Persons suffering from coronary disease or arrhythmia are more at risk for CHF. Persons suffering from hypertension and heart valve disease are more susceptible to congestive heart failure. If you have suffered a heart attack or congenital heart defect, you are more likely to be prone to CHF. Congestive heart failure is characterized by backing up of the blood from both one or both the lower chambers of the heart.
Symptoms of Congestive heart failure include shortness of breath and weakness. A person suffering from CHF may notice weight gain on account of body fluid accumulation. The fluid buildup leads to frequent urination. Chest pain, irregular pulse and restlessness are other symptoms of CHF. Decreased alertness and inability to pursue exercise are signs of congestive heart failure. Diagnostic tests such as chest x-rays and ECG can aid in detecting any stress on the heart. During a physical examination, a doctor can detect fluid buildup in the chest. Imaging tests such as angiography and nuclear ventriculorgraphy help in clear diagnosis of the heart's pumping condition. EKG and echocardiogram aids in detecting any possible heart enlargement and fluid buildup. Blood tests can indicate any kidney or thyroid malfunction that may affect heart's functioning.
Medications for congestive heart failure include ACE inhibitors that keep the blood vessels open and inotropics to strengthen the heart's pumping capacity. Diuretics may be prescribed to get rid of excess body fluids. Vasodilators and Calcium channel blockers open up narrowed blood vessels. Angioplasty is done to open up narrowed arteries. This is resorted to in cases where there is fatty plaque buildup. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping CHF at bay. These include quitting smoking and controlling diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. Control alcohol consumption and embark on a fitness regimen that includes aerobic exercise.
Diuretics
Also called as Water Pills as this group of drugs lower the blood pressure by excreting excess water and sodium. Originally Diuretics enhance the rate of urine excretion - diuresis. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, (High blood pressure), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Edema, a condition in which excess fluid is accumulated in the body tissues.
Even caffeine, alcohol and some fruit extracts and juices like that of cranberry juice have mild diuretic effect.
Types of Diuretics
Loop type diuretics:
Furosemide - brand name Lasix
Bumetanide - brand name Bumex
Torsemide - brand name Demadex
Ethacrynic acid - brand name Edecrin
Potassium retaining Diuretics:
Spironolactone - brand name Aldactone
Triamterene - brand name Dyrenium
Amiloride - brand name Midamor
Thiazide Diuretics:
Methyclothiazide - brand name Aquatensen
hydroflumethiazide - brand name Diucardin
Chlorothiazide - brand name Diuril
Hydrochlorothiazide - brand name Hydro chlor
Sometimes a combination of the diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is also prescribed.
Diuretics
Also called as Water Pills as this group of drugs lower the blood pressure by excreting excess water and sodium. Originally Diuretics enhance the rate of urine excretion - diuresis. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, (High blood pressure), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Edema, a condition in which excess fluid is accumulated in the body tissues.
Even caffeine, alcohol and some fruit extracts and juices like that of cranberry juice have mild diuretic effect.
Types of Diuretics
Loop type diuretics:
Furosemide - brand name Lasix
Bumetanide - brand name Bumex
Torsemide - brand name Demadex
Ethacrynic acid - brand name Edecrin
Potassium retaining Diuretics:
Spironolactone - brand name Aldactone
Triamterene - brand name Dyrenium
Amiloride - brand name Midamor
Thiazide Diuretics:
Methyclothiazide - brand name Aquatensen
hydroflumethiazide - brand name Diucardin
Chlorothiazide - brand name Diuril
Hydrochlorothiazide - brand name Hydro chlor
Sometimes a combination of the diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is also prescribed.
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