fluid retention congestive heart failure

#Fluid retention congestive heart failure how to

The most widely used MRAs are spironolactone and eplerenone. MRAs make you pass more urine, and help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid around the heart, but they don't reduce potassium levels. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) Possible side effects include dizziness, tiredness and blurred vision.īut most people taking them have either no or very mild side effects that become less troublesome with time. There are several different beta blockers, but the main ones used to treat heart failure in the UK are bisoprolol, carvedilol and nebivolol. Beta blockersīeta blockers work by slowing your heart down and protecting your heart from the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, 'fight or flight' chemicals produced by the body. There is no clear evidence that taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) will cause complications. If you have coronavirus (COVID-19), or think you might have it, keep taking your blood pressure medicines as usual. Your doctor will carry out regular blood tests to monitor your potassium level. Side effects of ARBs can include low blood pressure and high levels of potassium in your blood. They tend to be used as an alternative to ACE inhibitors because they don't usually cause a cough, although they may not be quite as effective as ACE inhibitors.Įxamples of ARBs include candesartan, losartan, telmisartan and valsartan. Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)Īngiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.

If you have a troublesome cough, an ACE inhibitor may be switched to an ARB.ĪCE inhibitors can also cause your blood pressure to fall too low, and they may cause kidney problems. The most common side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry, irritating cough. ACE inhibitorsĪngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by relaxing and opening up your blood vessels, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body.Įxamples of ACE inhibitors include ramipril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril and perindopril. You may need to try a few different medicines before you find a combination that controls your symptoms but doesn't cause unpleasant side effects. angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs or AIIRAs).Some of the main medicines for heart failure include: Often you'll need to take 2 or 3 different medicines. Most people with heart failure are treated with medication. You should be offered an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme.įind out more about living with heart failure Medicines for heart failure Having a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, doing exercise and not smoking, can help with your symptoms and reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill. The care plan should be reviewed at least every 6 months by your GP.

#Fluid retention congestive heart failure how to

details of how to contact your care team or specialist.

symptoms to look out for in case your condition worsens.

plans for managing your heart failure, including follow-up care, rehabilitation and access to social care.

If you have heart failure, you and everyone involved in your care will be given a care plan. Treatment will usually need to continue for the rest of your life. In many cases, a combination of treatments will be required.

devices implanted in your chest to control your heart rhythm.

But treatment can help keep the symptoms under control, possibly for many years. For most people, heart failure is a long-term condition that can't be cured.