Congestive Heart Failure: Treatment

Make an Appointment
Reviewed by Andrew M. Freeman, MD, FACC, FACP

A variety of medicines are available to help treat congestive heart failure. Some of the most frequently prescribed medications include:

  • Diuretics: (water or fluid pills) Reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and body swelling.
  • ACE inhibitors: Decrease blood pressure and lessen any strain on the heart. They may also help lessen the chance of a heart attack.
  • Aldosterone Antagonists: Cause the body to dispose of excess salt and water in urine, helping lower the volume of blood that the heart must pump and lessening its workload.
  • Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: Help decrease blood pressure and relax blood vessels
  • Beta Blockers: Decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate/Hydralazine Hydrochloride: Relax blood vessels.
  • Digoxin: Makes the heart beat stronger.

If you have trouble breathing, you may be given an oxygen tank to make breathing easier and more productive.

Clinical Trials

For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.