Various types of medications are used in the treatment of CHF, each of which has a different function. Digitalis increases the pumping action of the heart, and diuretics eliminate fluid accumulation. One new medication recently approved by the FDA, Carvedilol, was found to be of significant value to patients with mild to moderate CHF when used in conjunction with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and digoxin. Clinical trials of this medication indicate that hospitalization time for CHF, as well as morbidity and mortality from the disease, was considerably reduced. In the most severe cases of CHF, cardiac transplant may be necessary.
Diuretics deplete the body of potassium and magnesium.
Patients who are taking diuretics should consult with their physician regarding supplementation of these electrolytes. Five patients implanted with the LVAD prior to transplant were successfully weaned from the device and were no longer in need of the transplant. More importantly, the study indicated that LVADs worked to modify cardiac function and could potentially benefit patients with cardiomyopathy as well. A surgical strategy for congestive heart failure, mitral valve repair, may offer another alternative to transplantation. In this procedure, the mitral valve is strengthened by surgically implanting a small, flexible ring at the valve opening, thereby preventing regurgitation.