Experience. Wellness. Everywhere.

Congestive Heart Failure

Medicine and congestive heart failure (CHF)

People with heart failure must take some medicine. Although a low-sodium diet, weight loss and moderate exercise may help, people with CHF will probably need medicines to:

  • Remove excess salt and fluid from the body
  • Open blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump blood to various organs
  • Improve how well the heart pumps

Which medicines are used?

There are three types of medicines that are commonly used for heart failure:

  1. Diuretics (water pills) reduce the amount of extra fluid in the body
  2. ACE inhibitors open up blood vessels and make it easier for blood to move forward into the tissues, and
  3. Digitalis (digoxin) increases the force with which the heart pumps.

Patients who have only a few symptoms and minor fluid retention may be able to control symptoms with a low dose of a diuretic and ACE inhibitor. Some people also need other medicines to dilate (open) the blood vessels.

Medicines often work together to decrease signs and symptoms of heart failure. Skipping one medicine may make you feel worse. Stopping your medicine could lead to hospitalization or emergency room visits. However, if you take all your medicines as prescribed, you probably will be able to control symptoms and prevent your heart failure from getting worse. Effective treatment has been shown to prolong life.

Can I avoid medicines?

No. However, your doctor may be able to decrease the amount of diuretics (water pills) you need if you stick to a very low-sodium diet. The low-sodium intake helps to reduce the buildup of water and sodium in the body, so less diuretic may be needed.

How can I remember to take all of my medicines?

In most cases, people with congestive heart failure have to take more than one medicine. Remembering to take your medicine isn't easy. Here are some general tips to help you:

  • Take your medicine at the same time each day. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double a dose.
  • Use a daily or weekly pillbox. Keep it where you will see it.
  • If you tend to forget a certain dose, put notes around to help you remember. Place them in visible spots, such as on the refrigerator or kitchen table.
  • Ask a family member to help you with your medicines.

What can I expect?

For most people, medicines will cause your symptoms to improve. Patients may lose four to five pounds of fluid when they start taking these medicines. And some patients may lose as much as 10 to 15 pounds.

Your doctor may wish to check the level of the medicine in your blood once in a while. This is one way of knowing if the dosage should be changed.

Source: "Medicine and Heart Failure," © 1996 Stuart Disease Management Services, Inc.

Resources available:

E-mail us for more information on the CHF health promotion program or call toll-free 1-866-670-6681.

FEP members e-mail here or call toll-free at 1-866-670-6681.