Do you also have Heart Failure? Let's know exactly about the medications that help your heart (Heart Failure Medications)

Do you sometimes find it hard to breathe when you walk up a flight of stairs or for a short while? Do you feel very tired? Do your legs and ankles swell in the evening? Don't dismiss these as just another thing. These could be signs that your heart is trying to tell you something. Today we are going to talk about a very important topic that many people don't know about. That is heart failure, or as we call it in medical terms, heart failure, and the medications that are given for it.

First, let's understand what Heart Failure is.

Many people get scared when they hear the word Heart Failure. They think, "Oh my, has my heart stopped working?" But that's not the case. Simply put, Heart Failure is a condition where your heart muscle is unable to pump blood efficiently to the body. It's like a water pump that's a little weak and can't pump water into a tank at the right speed.

This is a progressive condition. As the heart does not pump blood properly, fluid begins to accumulate in various parts of the body, especially the lungs , legs, and feet. This is why I mentioned the symptoms of shortness of breath , fatigue, and swelling in the legs . If this condition is not treated, there is a high risk of serious complications such as damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys, and sudden cardiac arrest.

Your doctor will decide which medication is best for you based on your symptoms, whether you have other conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure , or kidney disease , and how advanced your condition is. Therefore, the medication prescribed for one person will not be prescribed for another.

What are the main medications used for Heart Failure?

When treating heart failure, a combination of drugs is usually used, rather than a single drug. The reason for this is that each drug performs different functions in the body and helps the heart. Just like each member of a cricket team is good at one thing and together they win the match.

Let's look at the table below to see the most commonly used classes of medications and how they work.

Are there any side effects when using this medicine?

Yes, like any medicine, some people may experience side effects from these medications. But not everyone gets them. The side effects you experience will depend on the type of medicine you are given.

Some of the most common side effects are:

• Dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting position.
• Feeling tired.
• Low blood pressure.
• Some people (especially those taking ACE inhibitors) may develop a dry cough.
• Frequent urination due to diuretics.
• Low or high potassium levels in the blood.
• Muscle cramps.

Along with the medication, what are the things you need to do on your part?

Medication is only half the battle. The other half is in your hands. Adjusting your lifestyle can achieve even better results than medication.

Take care of these things every day.

• Check your weight at the same time every day, in the morning. If you suddenly gain 2 kilos in a day or two, it could be a sign of water retention. If this happens, talk to your doctor immediately.
• It would be great if you could measure your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctor about getting a good blood pressure monitor.
• Be very careful about the amount of salt (sodium) in the food you eat. Too much salt increases water retention in the body and increases the burden on the heart. Stay away from things like pickles, dried fruits, sauces, canned foods, and sausages as much as possible.
• Drink only the amount of water your doctor recommends per day. Sometimes you may need to limit the amount of water you drink.

Lifestyle changes

• If you smoke, stop it today. Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of the heart.
• Limit or completely stop alcohol use.
• As per your doctor's advice, do a moderate amount of exercise every day that suits you. Even walking is good enough.
• Think about your mental health too. It's normal to feel sad and anxious when living with a long-term illness like this. Talk to your family and friends about this. Seek counseling if necessary.

How to manage medication?

Sometimes it can feel like a daunting task when you have to take multiple medications. But if you do these things right, you'll feel a big difference.

• Get a refill a few days before your medication runs out. Don't wait until the last day.
• Make a list of all the medications you take and keep it with you. Write down the name of the medication, the dosage (e.g. 50mg), how many times a day you take it, and whether you take it before or after meals. Take this list with you when you go to see a doctor.
• Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor for any reason. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medication. You feel better because the medication is working properly. If you stop taking it, your condition may get worse again.
• If you are planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, tell your doctor immediately, as some heart failure medications are not suitable during pregnancy.

Heart Failure doesn't mean your heart has "failed." It just means your heart needs a little help to do what it needs to do. That help comes from these medications and changes in your lifestyle. So stay strong and follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Then you can live a long, happy, and healthy life with this condition.