Treatment of heart failure usually involves a combination of medications, diet modification, fluid limitations and some lifestyle changes. In some cases, a biventricular pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrilator (ICD), ventricular assist device (VAD), or cardiac transplant may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss treatment options and determine the method most appropriate for your condition.

Common Heart Failure Medications:

Angiotensin enzyme (ACE) inhibitors-- ACE inhibitors are medications that dilate (widen) the blood vessels, decrease the blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood through the vessels. Some ACE inhibitors are:

• captropril (Capoten)
• fosinopril (Monopril)
• ramipril (Altace)
• enalopril (Vasotec)
• quinapril (Accupril)
• lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril)
• benazepril (Aceon)
• perindopril (Aceon)
• transdolapril (Mavik)

Angiotensin II blockers-- Other drugs used to relax the blood vessels, frequently used if ACE inhibitors cause coughing. Some angiotensin II blockers are:

• losartan (cozaar)
• irbesartan (Avapro)
• valsartan (Diovan)
• candesartan (Atacand)

Vasodilators-- May also be used to relax the blood vessels when a person cannot take ACE inhibitors. Some vasodilators are:

• hydralazine (Apresoline)
• isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate)
• nitrogylcerin (Nitrodur, Transderm)
• isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur)

Beta-blockers-- These drugs reduce heart rhythm problems and may cause the heart to become smaller and stronger. Some beta-blockers are:

• carvedilol (Coreg)
• metoprolol (Lopressosr, Toprol-XL)
• bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Digoxin-- May improve symptoms through a variety of mechanisms.

Diuretics-- Commonly referred to as "water pills" because they help the kidneys to rid excess water and salt from the body through the urine. Some diuretics are:

• furosemide (Lasix)
• chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• bumetanide (Bumex)
• metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
• torsemide (Demadex)
• spirnolactone (Aldactone)
• hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril)

Potassium-- Important electrolyte in the body that is often lost with increased urine output. Potassium supplements are frequently needed when taking diuretics.

Inotropic therapy-- Intravenous drugs used in end stage heart failure to stimulate the weakened heart to pump more effectively to send blood through the body. These drugs increase the force of the heart's contractions and relax the blood vessels. Some inotropic therapy drugs are:

• dobutamine (Dobutrex)
• milrinone (Primacor)