What is the first line medication in case of congestive heart failure?
Loop diuretics should be used as first-line agents, with thiazides added for refractory fluid overload. Diuretic treatment should be combined with a low-salt diet,8 a β-blocker, and an ACE inhibitor. The practitioner should begin with oral furosemide, 20 to 40 mg once daily.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing CHF?
While most patients with suspected HF do not require invasive testing for diagnosis, the clinical gold standard for diagnosis of HF is identification of an elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest or exercise on an invasive hemodynamic exercise test in a patient with symptoms of HF.
What is Stage C CHF?
Stage C. People with Stage C heart failure have a heart failure diagnosis and currently have or previously had signs and symptoms of the condition. There are many possible symptoms of heart failure.
What is class 4 heart failure?
Class IV: Inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort but also symptoms of heart failure at rest, with increased discomfort if any physical activity is undertaken.
Does Lasix help with congestive heart failure?
LASIX is indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. LASIX is particularly useful when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired.
What medications should be avoided in heart failure?
Heart failure medicine dos and don’ts: What to avoid
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- Cold and cough medicines with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
- Alka-Seltzer® – this has too much sodium (salt).
- Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem) or verapamil (Calan, Verelan).
Is Lasix used to treat congestive heart failure?
Lasix is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of fluid retention (edema) in individuals with congestive heart failure, liver disease or kidney disorder. Lasix may be used alone or with other medications.
Does heart failure show on echocardiogram?
Your doctor will check for these and other signs of heart failure. A test called an echocardiogram is often the best test to diagnose your heart failure. Your doctor can also use this test to find out why you have heart failure, and then monitor your condition going forward every three to six months.
Can you recover from congestive heart failure?
Like so many diagnoses, the words pack an emotional wallop: Congestive heart failure. While the phrase may sound like a death sentence, the good news is that many people whose hearts are considered to be failing can make a virtually complete recovery.
How many stages of CHF are there?
Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure. Based on objective assessments, the four stages of heart failure include Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D.
Are there different levels of CHF?
What are the Stages of CHF?
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| I | No notable symptoms |
| II | Physical activity may lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. |
| III | Any physical activity is likely to result in notable symptoms, more severe than Stage II. |