heart medications
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Top Medications Used to Treat Heart Failure

The heart pumps nearly 2,000 gallons of blood every day. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it!

Not only does it transport nutrients and oxygen across the body, but it also removes metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide.

Like most of our organs, however, it can be affected by disease. Take angina and arrhythmias, for example—they both involve the heart muscle.

Another common condition is heart failure. Left untreated, it can become life-threatening!

Luckily, there are treatments available. Want to learn about the different heart medications? If so, be sure to keep reading—because that’s what we’ll be talking about below!

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a disease in which the heart fails to pump enough blood for the body. As a result, the body can’t function normally.

There are two “types”—acute and chronic. The former typically occurs after a heart attack whereas the latter is more of a continuous problem.

A serious medical condition, it can cause significant complications if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure can cause various symptoms including fatigue, rapid heartbeat, persistent cough, weight gain, and decreased alertness. It can also lead to chest pain if it’s caused by a heart attack.

Given the potential risks, it’s crucial that you visit the doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. Seek emergency help if you have severe weakness or sudden, severe shortness of breath.

4 Types of Heart Medications

There are various medications that you can use to treat heart failure. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

These drugs prevent the formation of angiotensin, a hormone that constricts your blood vessels. By reducing its levels, your blood vessels will widen—this will, in turn, reduce your blood pressure.

That’s not all, the vessels themselves will also be able to relax. That will improve blood flow and reduce the workload of the heart.

2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

These drugs block the effects of angiotensin. As a result, your blood vessels will expand, which will decrease your blood pressure.

Because of that, it’ll be easier for the heart muscle to pump blood. They’re often used in combination with ACE inhibitors, which we’ll be talking about below.

3. Aldosterone Antagonists

These drugs are often used in combination with others (e.g. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers) for the treatment of heart failure. They help your body get rid of extra water, which lowers blood pressure. It also reduces swelling.

This makes it less likely that you’ll need to be in the hospital.

4. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents) are used to treat a variety of heart diseases, including heart failure. It blocks the action of epinephrine, which leads to a reduction in blood pressure.

In other words, your heart will be able to beat more slowly with less force.

Treating Heart Failure

And there we have it—four types of heart medications that are used for heart failure. As you can see, they all work in different ways!

Looking to get your prescription filled? Feel free to make an order on our site!