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Heart Failure

Medications used to manage heart failure.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure means that your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop beating. Without enough blood flow, your organs may not work well, which can lead to serious problems. Heart failure can affect one or both sides of your heart. Right-sided heart failure means your heart is too weak to pump enough blood to your lungs. Left-sided heart failure means your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood out to your body.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

The symptoms of heart failure depend on which side of your heart is affected and how serious your condition is. Many symptoms are caused by reduced blood flow to your organs and fluid buildup in your body. Common symptoms include feeling short of breath, fatigue, coughing, swelling in the ankles or abdomen, difficulty sleeping when lying flat, nausea, and needing to urinate often. At first, you may have no symptoms or mild symptoms, but they usually worsen over time.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure can develop suddenly after a medical condition or injury damages your heart muscle, but it often develops slowly from long-term medical conditions. Conditions that can cause heart failure include arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, among others.

Why Heart Failure Matters

If left untreated, heart failure can lead to serious problems such as breathing difficulties, kidney or liver damage, malnutrition, and other heart conditions. Fluid buildup and reduced blood flow can significantly impact your overall health.

How is Heart Failure Treated?

There is no cure for heart failure, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and a range of prescription medications. Treatment will depend on the type of heart failure and its severity. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help improve your condition.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of heart failure or have concerns about your heart health, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform necessary tests.

Medications used to treat Heart Failure

Several classes of medication treat heart failure. Which is right depends on your health — that is a decision for you and your provider. Compare prices and coupons on any of them:

ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart.

Compare prices: Benazepril Hcl, Lisinopril, Ramipril

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers reduce the heart's workload and lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart's beta receptors.

Compare prices: Atenolol, Carvedilol, Metoprolol Succinate Er

Diuretics

Diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium through urine, which can reduce blood pressure and decrease the heart's workload.

Compare prices: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain.

Compare prices: Losartan Potassium, Valsartan, Candesartan Cilexetil

Nitrates

Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the heart's workload, which is beneficial in heart failure.

Compare prices: Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Mononitrate, Isosorbide Dinitrate

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Frequently asked questions

What are the common symptoms of heart failure?

Common symptoms include feeling short of breath, fatigue, coughing, swelling in the ankles or abdomen, difficulty sleeping when lying flat, nausea, and needing to urinate often.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure can be caused by conditions such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Who is more likely to develop heart failure?

Heart failure can happen at any age, but your chances increase if you are 65 or older, have a family history of heart failure, or have habits that can harm your heart.

What happens if heart failure is left untreated?

If left untreated, heart failure can lead to serious problems such as breathing difficulties, kidney or liver damage, malnutrition, and other heart conditions.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam, and likely run heart tests and blood tests to diagnose heart failure.

Compare prices for heart failure medications

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Condition information adapted from MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Medication list sourced from RxClass (MED-RT, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Inclusion does not imply a medication is right for you.

Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

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