The goal of treating heart failure is to improve symptoms and slow disease progression, but a complete cure is unlikely. Long-term management through medication, lifestyle modifications, and necessary surgical interventions is required. Treatment includes the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers, along with dietary control and moderate exercise. Severe cases may require heart transplantation or implantation of a cardiac assist device.
1. Drug treatment
Diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, help eliminate excess fluid from the body, reduce the burden on the heart, and relieve edema and difficulty breathing.
ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and benazepril, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve heart function.
Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol and bisoprolol, slow heart rate, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, and improve long-term cardiac outcomes.
2. Lifestyle adjustments
Dietary control: Limit salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day, avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods, and consume more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Moderate exercise: Under the guidance of a doctor, engage in low-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes each time, to enhance cardiopulmonary function.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Quitting smoking can reduce the burden on the heart, and alcohol intake should be controlled to no more than 1-2 drinks per day to avoid excessive drinking and aggravating the condition.
3. Surgical treatment
Heart transplantation: Suitable for patients with end-stage heart failure, improving their quality of life by transplanting a healthy heart.
Cardiac assist devices: such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), help the heart pump blood and prolong the patient's survival time.
Vascular reconstruction surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, improves blood supply to the heart and relieves symptoms.
4. Psychological support and monitoring
Psychological counseling: Patients with heart failure often experience anxiety and depression, and need to relieve psychological stress through psychological counseling or support groups.
Regular monitoring: Regularly check blood pressure, heart rate, and weight to monitor changes in the condition and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.
Although heart failure is difficult to cure completely, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and slow disease progression through standardized treatment and long-term management. It is necessary to adhere to medication, adjust lifestyle, and have regular check-ups under the guidance of a doctor.