Heart failure is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It happens when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.
There are several treatment options for heart failure including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery. However, a new medication has emerged that can restore heart function to those with heart failure.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body. The condition can affect either the left or right side of the heart, or both.
Common symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles. Heart failure can be caused by many things including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Current Treatment Options for Heart Failure
There are several treatment options available for heart failure including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Medications used to treat heart failure include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics.
Lifestyle changes may include weight loss, exercise, and a heart-healthy diet. Surgery may be necessary if medication and lifestyle changes are not effective.
Introducing Entresto
Entresto is a medication that has emerged as a new treatment option for heart failure. The medication works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Entresto also increases levels of a different hormone called natriuretic peptide, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.
How Entresto Affects Heart Function
Entresto has been shown to improve heart function in those with heart failure. In clinical trials, patients taking Entresto had a lower risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure than those taking a placebo.
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Entresto also improved patients’ quality of life by reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Who Can Take Entresto?
Entresto is currently approved for use in adults with chronic heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV) and reduced ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is a measurement of how much blood the heart pumps out with each beat.
Reduced ejection fraction means that the heart is not pumping as much blood as it should be. Patients must also be taking a stable dose of ACE inhibitor or ARB for at least 4 weeks before starting Entresto.
Side Effects of Entresto
Like any medication, Entresto can cause side effects. Common side effects include low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and kidney problems.
Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking Entresto:.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
Conclusion
Heart failure is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are several treatment options available, a new medication called Entresto has emerged as a potential game-changer in the treatment of heart failure.
Entresto works by blocking a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, and also by increasing levels of a different hormone that helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. Clinical studies have shown that Entresto can improve heart function and quality of life in those with heart failure. However, as with any medication, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
If you are interested in Entresto as a potential treatment option for your heart failure, speak with your doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you.
