CHF

[Kathy]

My Mother suffered a heart attack and stroke last June, she is also a Diabetic and has Hypo-thyroidism.  She did well with the stroke and almost has all of her functions back.  In October she was also diagnosed with CHF.  Since October she can not do half of what she could do after hef heart attack and stroke. She is on 9 different medications for her condition.  She is only 65 and I hate to see her so tired all the time and so out of breath all of the time.  My question is someone was telling me there is a new medication out for CHF, is that true and if it is what is it called.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Kathy,

Thank you for your question.  There are a number of advances in heart failure medications.  Beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are two of the newer classes of medication used.  Your mother's doctor can tell you if either of these are appropriate for her.

Here is some general information about heart failure. Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF) is a syndrome of low heart output, shortness of breath and swelling in the extremities.  The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic (secondary to blockages in the arteries).  Other common causes are hypertensive (high blood pressure), viral, valvular and idiopathic.  The diagnosis of CHF is made by symptoms and testing of the heart.  An echocardiogram or heart catheterization is usually done to measure the function of the pumping chamber.  Other investigations may be performed depending upon the cause of the CHF.

Treatment of heart failure can be medical or surgical.  If failure is due to blockages or valve problems then surgery is often recommended.  Medical management includes digoxin, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and diuretics.  Newer evidence has shown that low dose beta-blockers improve symptoms and survival in patients with CHF.  End stage CHF is treated with heart transplantation if the patient is a candidate.  

CHF is a common problem and there are new treatments being developed.  It is a chronic problem and must be followed closely by her doctor with adjustment of her medication as needed.  

Further information can be found at:

http://www.healthanswers.com/health_answers/search_get_answer/forums/circulatory/frame1.htm

Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.