Diuretics, also known as water pills, help eliminate excess fluids from the body. They cause the kidneys to make more urine and increase the body's excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium. Since the use of most diuretics can cause potassium levels in the body to be depleted be sure to include foods high in potassium in your diet.

Diuretics are used to relieve both pulmonary and peripheral edema. In addition, they may be used to treat hypertension since they dilate blood vessels.

Potential Side effects: dizziness, severe leg cramps, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol levels

Examples: Furosemide(Lasix, shown below), Bumetanide(Bumex), Hydrochlorthiazide(HCTZ)

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors block the formation of Angiotensin II, a substance that causes constriction of blood vessels. In this way, ACE inhibitors reduce the strain on the heart. They relax smaller arteries and lower blood pressure. For this reason they can cause dizziness. Finally, ACE inhibitors can prevent undesirable increases in heart size.

Potential Side effects: cough, dizziness, worsening of some types of kidney disease

Examples:Lisinopril (Prinivil, shown below), Enalapril (Vasotec), Captopril (Capoten)

This group of drugs relaxes blood vessels and lowers the resistance against which the heart has to pump. Like ACE inhibitors or ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) they can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.

Potential Side effects: low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, abnormally high heart rate (tachycardia), headache

Examples: Hydralazine, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Nitroglycerin

These drugs block the heart cell response to catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine) - compounds that cause the heart to work harder, increase blood pressure, and increase blood flow to muscles. Catecholamines are responsible for the "fight or flight" response of the central nervous system. Beta-Blockers may reduce the energy needs of the heart and when tolerated over a long time may actually reduce heart size and improve the function of the heart.

Potential Side Effects: decreased ventricular function, slow heart rate, worsening of symptoms due to asthma

Examples: Carvedilol (Coreg, shown below), Metoprolol (Toprol XL)

ARBs are generally used as an alternate therapy to ACE inhibitors when ACE inhibitors cause side effects (for example, coughing). While ACE inhibitors block the production of Angiotensin II, these drugs serve as a blockade to Angiotensin II receptors, preventing it from constricting blood vessels.

Potential Side Effects: fatigue, abdominal pain, edema, headache, dizziness

Examples: Valsartan (Diovan, shown below), Candesartan (Atacand)

Digitalis increases the strength of the heart's contractions as well as reducing resistance in the blood vessels of the body. It also decreases heart rate in heart failure patients and may decrease edema.

Potential Side effects: nausea and slow or fast heart beating

Examples: Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming in the heart chambers, veins, or arteries. In small arteries such as the coronary arteries, anticoagulants may prevent clots from forming. Blood clots in these arteries could lead to a myocardial infarction or heart attack.

Potential Side Effects: bleeding

Examples: Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix

A high level of cholesterol increases the chance of having a heart attack or stroke due to plaque buildup in arteries. Although cholesterol can be lowered mostly through exercise and proper diet, there are medications available for further assistance on cholesterol level lowering.

Potential Side Effects: abnormal function of liver, muscle aches

Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to a decrease in blood flow to the kidnies and other factors in heart failure, it is over produced and may contribute tofibrosis in the heart. Blockade of aldosterone effects may improve outcomes in more advanced heart failure.

Potential Side effects: fatigue, headache, low blood pressure, nausea

Examples: Spironolactone( Aldactone ), Epelerenone