There are medications available that can improve the heart’s function. The medications prescribed depends on which type of heart failure you have. The different drug groups of medication are listed below: 

ACE Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors 
(ending in ‘–pril’)
E.g. Ramipril, Perindopril etc		 It stops the body from releasing and converting chemicals in the blood stream, which causes the veins and arteries to constrict. This lowers blood pressure and enables improved blood flow and delivery of oxygen. And reduces the work on the heart muscle.  
ARB Angiotensin II receptor blockers 
(ending in ‘-tan’)
E.g. Candesartan, Losartan, etc.		 ARB’s work very similar to ACE’s. This drug group is considered if there’s an intolerance to ACE inhibitor.  
ARNi Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors 
E.g. Entresto		 This drug is made up of two compartments: a neprilysin inhibitor (Sacubitril) and angiotensin II receptor blocker (Valsartan). They work in combination to open the veins and arteries, lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart.  
BB Beta blockers 
(ending in ‘-lol’)
E.g. Bisoprolol, Carvedilol		 Betablockers work by slowing down the heart and allowing it to beat more efficiently.    
MRA Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists 
(ending in ‘-one’)
E.g. Spironolactone, Eplerenone		 MRA’s can help improve the pumping function of the left ventricle of the heart. It also works as a mild diuretic by reducing the amount of sodium the body will hold onto.  
SGLT2i Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 Inhibitors
(ending in ‘-flozin’)
E.g. Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin		 SGLT2i has protective effects on the kidneys and heart.  
This medication can reduce the amount of hospital admissions and reduce mortality and improve overall symptoms.  

 

Loop Diuretics  Loop diuretics, more commonly known as ‘water tablets’. Help by removing any excess fluid the body is holding onto. This will cause people to urinate more often – which is the aim in removing fluid from the body. Fluid can build up in legs, lower back, abdomen and even the lungs. This can cause worsening breathlessness. Two common diuretics prescribed are Furosemide and Bumetanide. Furosemide is often prescribed as a first line. In cases where there’s minimal response to the drug, clinicians will switch from Furosemide to Bumetanide. Bumetanide often works better for individuals who have abdominal oedema.
 Thiazide Diuretics
 		 In cases where loop diuretics have not been effective. A clinician will     prescribe thiazide additionally with a loop. Thiazides do work differently to loop’s and can be more effective at removing fluid from the body.

For more information please visit Medications | Pumping Marvellous.