The four "pharmacologic pillars" of heart failure management are diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and lanoxin, according to Pat Manion, RN, MS, CCRN, CEN, trauma coordinator at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, MI. Here, she explains the role of each:
- Diuretics interfere with the sodium and water retention that can lead to fluid overload in this patient.
- Beta-blockers mitigate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart, controlling heart rate, decreasing the occurrence of arrhythmias, and controlling hypertension.
- ACE inhibitors control hypertension and modify myocardial remodeling.
- Lanoxin reduces the sympathetic output of the central nervous system and reduces renal tubular re-absorption of sodium.
The four pharmacologic pillars of heart failure management are diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and lanoxin.
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