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Treatments for Heart Failure

Authors:
  • Michelle Badash, MS
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Heart Failure
The goal of heart failure treatment is to:
  • Help the heart work better
  • Stop extra fluid and water from building up in the body
  • Lower the risk of more heart damage

Keep in mind that heart damage that has already happened cannot be reversed.

Heart failure is often treated with a blend of lifestyle changes and medicines. These treatments help reduce the strain on your heart and prevent further damage.

Surgical procedures may be needed if heart failure cannot be managed with lifestyle changes or medicines. A medical device that helps your heart work better could be placed in your body. Surgery can also repair other heart problems that add to your heart failure.

Heart failure that is advanced or is not getting better with other treatment may need a heart transplant.

Any other health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure will need to be managed as well.

You will likely have a care team that is made up of doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and other health staff. Be sure to work with your care team by:
  • Staying in touch with them
  • Sticking to the treatment plan
  • Going to any advised appointments

Treatment for heart failure involves:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Surgical Procedures

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

References

  • Heart failure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure.
  • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/heart-failure-with-reduced-ejection-fraction.
  • Treatment options for heart failure. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure.

Contributors

  • Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.