Pharmacological management of patients with chronic heart failure is complex and may require regular medical review to assess the effectiveness of therapy. This may be further complicated by the presence of other co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic airways disease etc. The classification of the type of HF may also necessitate varying treatment modes as well as tolerance to medication by individual patients.
Much of the early treatment of heart failure relates to the treatment of the symptoms of heart failure such as diuretics, once acute symptoms are under control, then longer-term strategies are considered. Below is an example of suggested pharmacological management of HFrEF patients.
Many patients with heart failure may require several different classes of medication to aid in the management of this complex condition process.
These classes may include (but are not limited to):
These medications may require frequent ongoing medical review to assess the interaction/ effectiveness of medical treatment and monitor for the effects on a wide variety of biochemical markers (i.e. Serum Potassium levels)2.
Heart Failure teams may consist of (but may not be limited to):