
There are 4 main types of medication used to treat heart muscle weakness.
CLASS #1
Beta-Blocker
Reduces the heart rate and pumping force to reduce work of the heart.
COMMON MEDICATIONS:
- Metoprolol (Torpol)
- Carvedilol (Coreg)
- Bisoprolol (Cardicor)
May make you tired initially which improves over time.
CLASS #2
SGLT2 Inhibitor
Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor. Developed as diabetes medications but have benefit to heart patients even without diabetes.
COMMON MEDICATIONS:
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
Can increase genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections and cause low blood sugar in people on other medications for diabetes.
CLASS #3
Angiotensin Inhibitors
ARNI stands for Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors. Reduces the work of the heart by dilating the blood vessels and helps the body get rid of sodium.
COMMON MEDICATIONS:
Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)
May make blood pressure lower although this is often tolerated over time. Very rarely can cause lip/tongue swelling and trouble breathing.
CLASS #4
Aldosterone Antagonist
Reduces work of the heart by blocking a hormone that increases blood pressure and causes retention of sodium.
COMMON MEDICATIONS:
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Eplerenone (Inspra)
Can increase blood potassium.
Other medications frequently prescribed for addressing heart failure symptoms or associated conditions, such as diuretics, are not encompassed within this list.
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