Heart failure is a
chronic disease which requires lifelong management. However, given the right
treatment, signs and symptoms of heart failure can improve, and in some cases
the heart sometimes becomes stronger. Active management of your disease may
help you live longer and reduce your chance of sudden death.
Some underlying
causes of heart failure are treatable. For example, in a patient with a faulty
heart valve, repairing the heart valve may reverse heart failure. The same is
true for someone with tachycardia: controlling the fast heart rhythm may
reverse his/her heart failure.
But for most people,
the treatment of chronic heart failure involves the balance of the right
medications and, perhaps the use of devices that help the heart beat and
contract properly.
Depending on your
symptoms, Dr Khoo may prescribe one or more of these medications :
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor
blockers, beta blockers, anti-coagulants (blood thinners), diuretics,
aldosterone antagonists, inotropes and digoxin, nitrates or statins. Doses will
also be adjusted according to your prevailing condition.
As mentioned, surgery
may be recommended for some conditions for the right candidate. Such treatments
may include: coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement,
pacemakers and other implantable devices and in the extreme case, a heart
transplant.