Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Left-Sided Heart Failure - Congestive Heart Failure
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Many medicines are used to treat CHF, including:
In August 2001, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for severe CHF. Implantable cardiac resynchronization uses a device that stimulates the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart. The device controls the beating of the ventricles so that they beat at the same time. Blood is pumped more efficiently. That helps reduce the effects of CHF.
A left ventricular assist device, called an LVAD, may be used in severe cases of CHF. An LVAD is a small pump that helps the left ventricle pump more blood through the body. It is generally used to support a person until a heart transplant can be performed. For some people, a heart transplant is the only treatment that can cure the CHF.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects vary with the medicines used:
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Most people with CHF will benefit if they exercise regularly. Every effort should also be made to reduce his or her coronary risk factors. These actions may include:
The doctor may need to adjust medicines until the person achieves the best response.
How is the condition monitored?
Periodic exams, blood tests, and imaging studies such as echocardiography are done to monitor CHF. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.