This section reviews some of the medications and surgical procedures used to treat this condition. Heart failure treatments are designed to reduce fatigue, shortness of breath and tissue swelling. They also can enhance a patient's energy level, ability to exercise and sense of well-being. In fact, many treatments can help prevent or slow down the condition's progression, enabling people with heart failure to live longer and more comfortably. Patients and their families should talk with a physician about the most appropriate medical or surgical treatment options.
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If a medication is causing unpleasant side effects, work with the healthcare team to figure out how you might eliminate or minimize them. Sometimes dosage can be adjusted, a medication can be taken at a different time, or a new medication can be substituted. If your doctor prescribes more than one heart failure drug, ask whether combining them can cause complications. Click here for more tips Pfizer is a proud sponsor of the Living with Heart Failure Web site. Send us your comments about this site.