Therapy of heart failure and blood pressure
The therapy depends on the severity of the heart failure. It is divided into 4 degrees of severity (NYHA stages). However, in all stages, the first priority is basic therapy, consisting of weight reduction, physical activity (light endurance sports), change of diet and reduction of salt intake, as well as a ban on nicotine and alcohol.
In addition, risk factors must be identified and eliminated, e.g. high blood pressure, heart valve defects, thyroid dysfunction, anaemia or heart attack. Medication is used as the drug of choice from stage 1, ACE inhibitors (e.g. ramipril) or AT1 blockers (Sartane). In advanced stages 2-4, aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone or eplerenone can be used as a supplement.
Leg edema can be additionally improved in all stages with diuretics. Daily weight control and regular electrolyte checks in the blood are essential in this case. If the heart rate is too fast, beta-blockers can also supplement the therapy. In case of severe cardiac arrhythmia or very limited ejection volume, a defibrillator (ICD) can be implanted in the heart. In extremely severe cases and in very young patients, heart transplantation may be considered as a last option.
Course of disease
The disease usually begins insidiously. In stage 1, the affected person has no symptoms, only a heart echo, ECG or existing underlying disease (coronary heart disease, heart attack, etc.) can diagnose heart disease.
If the disease progresses, a drop in performance under increased stress can be observed. In hospital, patients are usually asked how many floors they can walk up without a break. As the disease progresses, this increases, making everyday work already difficult. In the last stage, symptoms already appear at rest.
