Heart disease or heart attack is a type of cardiovascular disease. In addition to heart disease, the term cardiovascular disease encompasses a variety of heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and stroke. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries, which results in a decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD includes myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, and angina pectoris, or chest pain. A heart attack is caused by the sudden blockage of a coronary artery, usually by a blood clot. And chest pain occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood. Another type of heart disease is a heart rhythm disorder, which includes rapid heart, heart murmurs, and other unspecified disorders. Congestive heart failure (CHF), which is often the end-stage of heart disease, is another disease of the heart.
What treatment is required
Much can be done to improve how well the heart pumps and to treat the symptoms, but heart failure cannot be completely cured. An important part of treatment is taking care of any underlying problems, such as lowering high blood pressure or fixing a heart valve. Treatment also includes lifestyle changes and medicine. Here are some important things you should talk about with your doctor:
- Diet: Your doctor will likely tell you to reduce the amount of salt you eat. He or she may also tell you to eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol.
- Alcohol: You will be advised to limit alcohol.
- Exercise: Most people with heart failure can still exercise, but your doctor will help you decide how much and what kind of exercise you can do.
- Weight: Your doctor will tell you if you need to lose weight.
- Family support: Your family can be an important source of support, so involve them when possible. Ask friends for help too.
Other sources of support: Your doctor can give you information about support groups. It sometimes helps to talk with other people who have similar problems.
Whether the medicines needed.
Many different medicines are used to treat heart failure. You may need one or more medicines, depending on your symptoms. Your doctor will talk about these medicines with you. It may take some time to find the best type of medicine and the best dosage (amount) of medicine for you.
Several kinds of medicines are commonly used to treat heart failure:
- ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors help open (dilate) your arteries and lower your blood pressure, improving blood flow.
- Diuretics: Diuretics are often called "water pills" because they cause you to urinate more often and help keep fluid from building up in your body. They can also decrease fluid that collects in your lungs. This will help you breathe easier.
- Beta-blockers: Beta blockers can lower blood pressure and slow a rapid heartbeat. They may also help prevent some heart rhythm problems.
- Digoxin: Digoxin (also called digitalis) helps the heart pump better by strengthening the muscle contractions of the heart.
You might need to take other medicines if you have other problems or if you experience side effects with any of these medicines.
When you're taking medicine for heart failure, you'll also need to have blood tests to check your potassium level and kidney function. How often you need blood tests depends on the type and strength of medicine you are taking. Many patients take heart failure medicines without any problems. However, if you have concerns about the medicine or think you may be having side effects, you should talk to your doctor. It's very important that you take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
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