What drugs are used to treat heart failure?
The following drugs are commonly used to treat heart failure. They will be tailored to the individual person, depending on the cause and severity of the heart failure.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
Most people with heart failure are prescribed an ACE inhibitor. There are several types and brands. These drugs prevent a build up of fluid by interfering with the enzyme angiotensin (a body chemical) which is involved in regulating body fluid. ACE inhibitors also have a protective effect on the heart, and may slow down the progression of heart failure.
Some points to note about ACE inhibitors are below (but read the leaflet that comes in your drug packet for full details).
- After the very first dose, on the first day you start an ACE inhibitor:
- Stay indoors for about four hours as occasionally some people feel dizzy. This is because the very first dose causes a drop in blood pressure in a few people.
- If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down and it will usually ease off.
- If you become very dizzy, contact your doctor immediately.
- Your body quickly becomes used to the new drug. After the first dose on the first day of treatment, there is no need to take any special precautions.
- A low dose is usually started at first, but built up to a standard dose over 2-4 weeks.
- A blood test is usually done before starting an ACE inhibitor, and about 7-10 days after the first dose. This checks the function of the kidneys. The kidneys are affected in a small number of people who take an ACE inhibitor. A blood test about every six months is then usual.
Drugs in the class of drugs called angiotensin-II receptor antagonists work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors. One may be used instead of an ACE inhibitor if you have problems or side-effects with taking an ACE inhibitor (such as a persistent cough).
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