Exercise Regularly Medications for Heart Failure Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, Medications are a very important part of your Managing golfing or jogging helps keep the heart strong, HF treatment. Research has shown that lowers anxiety, and helps control weight and medications can slow the disease process, blood pressure. prolong life and help you feel better. Always Your Health Reaching health and wellness goals can be take your medications as prescribed, even if you hard to do on your own. The Online Health start to feel better. Let your doctor and pharmacist Coach is here to help. A combination of know if you have any side effects from your with Heart guidance, support and resources will medications. Below are some of the medications encourage you to: that may be used to treat heart failure. •Set and manage goals Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Failure •Create a plan of care Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers •Track your progress (ARBs): Decrease blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood. Examples: • Pursue healthy activities Zestril (lisinopril), Cozaar (losartan). To get started, log in at www.fepblue.org. Diuretics or “water pills”: Increase water and Always check with your doctor before salt removal by the kidneys and urine, beginning an exercise routine. decreasing swelling and shortness of breath. Manage Stress Example: Lasix (furosemide). It is normal for HF patients to be concerned Aldosterone Inhibitors: Reduce water and salt about their health. If you have concerns about in the body, and prevent the heart muscle from your health, one of the most powerful things stiffening and weakening. Examples: Aldactone you can do is talk about it. Talk to your doctor, (spironolactone), Inspra (eplerenone). a family member or trusted friend, and always Beta Blockers: Slow the heart rate, reduce take some time to relax. heart rhythm problems, lower blood pressure and make the heart stronger. Examples: Stay Up to Date on Standard Vaccines Coreg (carvedilol), Toprol (metoprolol). Bacterial infections can stress the heart. Vasodilators: Relax the blood vessels and There are two shots you can receive to help decrease the workload on the heart. Examples: lower your risk of getting sick. Ask your doctor Apresoline (hydralazine), Isordil (isosorbide). about getting your pneumonia shots and a Inotropic Drugs: Increase the strength of heart yearly flu shot, typically available starting in CVS Caremark® is an independent company that provides pharmacy early September. pumping. Example: Lanoxin (digoxin). benefit management services for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors Benefit Plan. Treat Sleep Problems (ARNIs): This medicine has two different This document contains references to brand name prescription drugs that Sleep disorders are common in patients with medicines combined into one pill. It lowers blood are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with CVS Caremark. HF. Report any problems with sleep to your pressure, reduces the workload on the heart doctor such as excessive daytime sleepiness, This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to and relaxes blood vessels. Example: Entresto your doctor or healthcare provider about this information and any health- loud and ongoing snoring, choking or gasping (sacubitril/valsartan). related questions you have. CVS Caremark assumes no liability whatsoever breaths, long pauses between breaths when for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a I Inhibitor: Slows heart rate so the heart sleeping, or dry mouth or sore throat when f result of this information. does not have to work as hard. Example: you wake up. ©2021 CVS Caremark. All rights reserved. 106-24288A 083021 Corlanor (ivabradine). What is Heart Failure? Stop Smoking Sodium (Salt) Reduction in Your Diet People who quit smoking are much more likely With a condition such as HF, it is important The term “heart failure” may to see an improvement in their HF symptoms. to control sodium intake. Sodium causes the sound scary, as if the heart stops Smoking can damage your heart as well as body to retain water, and excess water working. But it’s a little different your lungs. For help quitting and support, visit creates more work for your heart. Your doctor smokefree.gov. may limit your sodium intake depending upon than that. your HF symptoms. Changing your eating Heart failure (HF) actually means your heart is Limit Alcohol Consumption habits can be difficult. The good news is that not pumping blood as well as it should. Less In excess, alcohol damages your heart and can your taste buds adjust to less sodium over pumping means less oxygen to your body, make your HF worse. It makes pumping more time. High-sodium foods may even begin which can leave you feeling tired and run difficult for your heart. If you choose to drink to taste too salty. down. Heart failure can also cause swelling Signs and Symptoms alcohol, consume no more than two drinks a day due to excess buildup of fluid in your lungs or Managing Heart Failure Consider the following recommendations for for men, or one drink per day for women. legs. This is called edema, and often results in Signs and symptoms may vary from one managing sodium in your diet: person to another. with Lifestyle Changes shortness of breath. Heart failure is a serious Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications • Be aware that canned foods contain a high condition, and requires lifelong attention by It is a good idea to track your daily symptoms Making changes to your daily routine can With heart failure, certain OTC medications amount of sodium both you and your healthcare providers. The and discuss them with your doctors. relieve symptoms of heart failure and prevent (those purchased without a prescription) can make • Do not add salt to food at the table or good news is the condition can be managed Responding to symptoms as soon as they your condition from worsening. While habits your symptoms worse. Before taking any OTC when cooking with medications, reduced salt intake and daily begin is an important part of managing heart are often hard to break, taking steps toward products, ask your doctor or pharmacist about: physical activity. With the support of family failure. Taking your medications exactly as a healthier lifestyle will help you live life to • Pick fresh foods which are naturally low in and friends who understand your condition, prescribed and paying attention to your body the fullest. The following tips will help you • Antacids and cold medicines containing sodium sodium (fish, fruits, vegetables and poultry) you can help turn your lifestyle changes into can help keep your condition under control. be aware and take care of your physical and • Herbal supplements and vitamins • Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance healthy new habits. emotional health. the taste of your food Common symptoms to watch • Pain medications which can cause kidneys to Common Causes of Heart Failure out for include: Controlling Your Weight retain excess sodium • Add fresh lemon juice instead of salt to fish Heart attacks and coronary artery disease and vegetables • Sudden, unexplained weight gain Excess weight puts more strain on the heart • Products containing ephedra or ephedrine (CAD) are the most common causes of heart and is a risk factor for high blood pressure, • Read food labels and use only no-sodium failure. • Shortness of breath with or without activity stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Reduce or low-sodium foods These conditions damage the heart muscle and • Swelling in legs, ankles, feet or abdomen your meal portion sizes and intake of high- • Use bottled water for cooking and drinking can cause it to weaken, enlarge or stiffen. Other warning signs: calorie foods, fats, oils and sugars. if you use a salt-filtration water softener Heart failure can also be caused by: Tips for tracking your weight: • A continuous, dry, irritating cough Fluid restriction • High blood pressure • Loss of appetite or feeling full very quickly • Weigh yourself every day at the same time Daily fluid restriction may not be needed for • Diseased heart muscles (known as • Increased weakness or feeling more tired • Record your weight in a log and look for everyone. If you have questions about this, cardiomyopathy) than usual with normal activity changes from day to day and week to week talk with your doctor first on whether there is • Heart valve problems a need to limit your fluid intake. • Chest pain or increased heart rate or irregular • Notify your doctor of any sudden weight gain • An abnormal heart rhythm rhythm (this may be caused by fluid retention and can • Excessive and prolonged use of alcohol increase the strain on your heart) • Dizziness or lightheadedness while resting • Bacterial or viral infections that damage the or walking • Ask your doctor about a diuretic (water pill) heart muscle action plan • Some chemotherapy medications