In the context of managing CHF, which class of medication is typically used to decrease fluid overload?

In the context of managing CHF, which class of medication is typically used to decrease fluid overload?

• A. Diuretics
• B. ACE inhibitors
• C. Nitrates
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (A)

Diuretics are the primary class of medications used to manage fluid overload in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The underlying issue in CHF often involves the heart's inefficiency in pumping blood, which can lead to the retention of fluid in the body. This accumulation causes symptoms such as swelling (edema), shortness of breath, and increased pressure in the lungs. Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, effectively reducing blood volume and, consequently, the workload on the heart. By diminishing fluid overload, diuretics also help alleviate symptoms associated with congestion, improve tolerance for physical activities, and enhance the patient's quality of life. They are a cornerstone in the management of CHF due to their direct effects on fluid status. ACE inhibitors, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers have other roles in heart failure management but are not primarily aimed at reducing fluid overload. ACE inhibitors help by reducing afterload and improving cardiac output, nitrates can relieve symptoms of chest pain and also reduce preload, while calcium channel blockers are more often used for controlling heart rate or hypertension rather than managing fluid status directly.

Diuretics are the primary class of medications used to manage fluid overload in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The underlying issue in CHF often involves the heart's inefficiency in pumping blood, which can lead to the retention of fluid in the body. This accumulation causes symptoms such as swelling (edema), shortness of breath, and increased pressure in the lungs.

Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, effectively reducing blood volume and, consequently, the workload on the heart. By diminishing fluid overload, diuretics also help alleviate symptoms associated with congestion, improve tolerance for physical activities, and enhance the patient's quality of life. They are a cornerstone in the management of CHF due to their direct effects on fluid status.

ACE inhibitors, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers have other roles in heart failure management but are not primarily aimed at reducing fluid overload. ACE inhibitors help by reducing afterload and improving cardiac output, nitrates can relieve symptoms of chest pain and also reduce preload, while calcium channel blockers are more often used for controlling heart rate or hypertension rather than managing fluid status directly.