The ‘Fab Four’ in Heart Failure Care
Dec. 6, 2001 — Heart failure is a major health concern in the U.S. Nearly 5 million people are living with this problem, and a half million are diagnosed every year. The most common cause is blockage of arteries in the heart, leading to damaged heart muscle and a weak pump. Other causes include heart infections — called endocarditis — and high blood pressure.
With all the development in heart failure treatments, experts thought it was a good time to sit down and reassess the situation. And they decided that most people with symptoms of heart failure should be on four well-known drugs.
Drugs called ACE inhibitors should definitely be on board, even for many people who just stand a high risk of developing heart failure. There are many to choose from, but a few examples are Altace, Accupril, and Prinivil. These drugs are considered a must in heart failure treatment.
Secondly, people with evidence of swelling or retaining fluid should be on a diuretic, or water pill. And once the extra fluid is gone, they should stay on the drug in order to prevent it from coming back.
The third set of drugs is a bit more controversial. Many studies have shown the benefits of beta-blockers, but doctors have been reluctant to try them out.
Years ago, doctors thought it was necessary to stay away from beta-blockers in people with heart failure. They believed that beta-blockers would actually decrease the heart’s pumping action. But medical research has since shown us the error of our ways.
In fact, beta-blockers have now become one of the most recommended drugs for keeping people with heart failure breathing better and out of the hospital. Again, there are several to choose from, but two examples are Coreg and Toprol XL.
The fourth drug is one that has been around for many years. Lanoxin, or digoxin, should be used in most people with heart failure as well. Treatment can be started at any point to reduce symptoms and enhance exercise ability, according to the experts.
These four types of drugs have been tested over and over again for the treatment of heart failure. Experts agree that treatment of symptoms should start here.
