Hydralazine - widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow. Side effects can include headaches, rapid heartbeat and joint paint. Nitrates - used mostly for chest pain, but may also help diminish heart failure symptoms. They relax smooth muscles and widen blood vessels. They act to primarily lower systolic blood pressure.
Side effects can include headaches.
These medications slow the heart rate and decrease its ability to contract. Beta blockers are the latest medications to be added to the arsenal against heart failure. These medications are prescribed for people with mild to moderate heart failure.