Congestive Heart Failure And Goal Directed Medical Therapy
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It is often caused by damage to the heart muscle, such as from a heart attack or high blood pressure. CHF can lead to a build-up of fluid in the body, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet and ankles.
Goal directed medical therapy (GDMT) is a treatment approach for CHF that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the condition, rather than just managing symptoms. GDMT involves a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and other therapies to improve the function of the heart and reduce the risk of further damage.
The goals of GDMT for CHF may include improving symptoms, reducing the risk of hospitalization, and improving the overall quality of life for the patient. GDMT may involve the use of medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors to help manage fluid build-up and improve heart function. It may also involve lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, to improve overall health and reduce the burden on the heart.
GDMT can be an effective treatment approach for CHF, helping to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization and other complications. It is important for patients with CHF to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals.
Works Cited:
American Heart Association. “What is Heart Failure?” 2021, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure. Accessed 16 Feb. 2023.
Bristow, Michael R. “Treatment of chronic heart failure with β-adrenergic receptor antagonists: a convergence of receptor pharmacology and clinical cardiology.” Circulation Research, vol. 95, no. 1, 2004, pp. 17-26. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000134624.65736.DF.
Yancy, Clyde W., et al. “2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Failure Society of America.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 70, no. 6, 2017, pp. 776-803. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.04.025.
