It sometimes help to record blood pressures in the morning, afternoon, and the evening, and look for patterns over a few days. It is the most common DRG diagnosis for Medicare cardiology patients. Prognosis for CHF is improving with additional medications. Top Heart failure treatment centers focus on patient education often with extended visits with a nurse practitioner regarding use of scales to recognize early fluid accumulation, diet management regarding salt and fluids, and adjustment of medications. Our best results are achieved by adding on therapy, such as decreasing diuretics prior to adding blockers and then carefully titrating up doses of metoprolol or Calvedilol with visits every 2 to 8 weeks.
Beta blockers require careful titration to avoid fatigue, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure.
Metoprolol and Calvedilol have been tested and shown to improve survival. Careful monitoring and heart imaging helps to guide therapy. Many patients with congestive heart failure will require cardiac catheterization to determine if coronary artery disease is the cause of their heart failure. It may improve the effectiveness of ACE- Inhibitors if aspirin can be discontinued in patients that do not have coronary artery disease. Top Citrus Valley Cardiology Medical Group, Inc., directed by Dr. Neil Doherty, is pleased to include these treatments of CHF and potential access to heart failure research trials.