Studies have shown that several classes of drugs are best to treat heart failure.Heart failure patients may need multiple medications. Each one treats a different symptom or contributing factor and comes with its own instructions and rules. Show
You and your caregivers should work with your healthcare team to understand the medications and when, how often and in what dosage to take them. It’s important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor (or other healthcare providers) and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Your doctor and your pharmacist are your best sources of information. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about your medicines. It's critical that people with heart failure take their medications exactly as directed by their healthcare provider, to optimize the benefits. The use of these drugs has saved lives, prolonged life and improved the heart’s function. Download a medication tracker (PDF) The following list gives you a quick look at many typical medications to treat heart failure at different stages. Your prescription may have a different name from the ones listed here. Brand names commonly available in the United States are shown in parentheses after the generic name for each drug. Patients taking ACE-i and ARBs who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment, unless otherwise advised by their physician *Some of the major types of commonly prescribed heart failure medications are summarized in this section. For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn’t on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It’s important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) InhibitorsCommonly prescribed include:
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (or Inhibitors)(Also known as ARBs or Angiotensin-2 Receptor Antagonists) Commonly prescribed include:
Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)ARNIs are a new drug combination of a neprilysin inhibitor and an ARB.
If Channel Blocker (or inhibitor)This drug class reduces the heart rate, similar to another class of drugs called beta blockers.
Beta Blockers (Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents)Commonly prescribed include:
Aldosterone AntagonistsCommonly prescribed include:
Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (specifically benefits African-Americans with heart failure)Commonly prescribed:
Diuretics (Also known as water pills)Commonly prescribed include:
What this type of medication does:
Other medications that might be prescribedYour doctor may also prescribe other less commonly used drugs depending on your additional health problems. These drugs include:
Additional medication information:
How is low blood pressure treated in heart failure?As such, most patients with low BP tolerate ACEI and β-blockers if given separately or apart from diuretics. Another important strategy is cardiac resynchronization therapy which may result in an increase in SBP6 and may reduce the incidence of hypotension in HF.
Can you have low blood pressure with congestive heart failure?Low blood pressure is common in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). While spontaneous hypotension predicts risk in HFrEF, there is only limited evidence regarding the relationship between hypotension observed during heart failure (HF) drug titration and outcome.
Why do patients with heart failure have low blood pressure?Heart problems: Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), problems with heart valves, heart attack and heart failure. Your heart may not be able to circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs.
What are the signs of end stage congestive heart failure?The symptoms of end-stage congestive heart failure include dyspnea, chronic cough or wheezing, edema, nausea or lack of appetite, a high heart rate, and confusion or impaired thinking. Learn about the hospice eligibility requirements for end-stage heart failure.
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