Treating Congestive Heart Failure: Part 2

Some individuals are unable to take ACE inhibitors to treat congestive heart failure. For those, there's an alternative class of drugs, known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This group of medications acts in a similar fashion. They block the action of angiotensin II at the receptor site directly.

One study shows that ARBs produce a greater survival benefit in older persons with heart failure compared to ACE inhibitors. More research needs to be done, however, to be able to verify this with any certainty. It certainly is promising.

Another class of medication is called the beta-blocker. This medicine works best when the patient is started on a low dose and then works up to a larger dose. This line of treatment may, initially, make a person feel a little worse, but this feeling won't last long. In the meantime, your health care practitioner will adjust your other medications.

Beta-blockers aren't without side effects either. These include low blood pressure, low pulse, general fatigue and lightheadedness. Beta-blockers aren't suitable for those individuals who have asthma or emphysema or very low resting heart rates.

Your health care practitioner may also prescribe a diuretic. This drug helps to prevent fluid retention or to help relieve the problem. These drugs are especially important in keeping fluid from building up in the lungs and other tissues.