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

Diuretics are the class of medication typically used to decrease fluid overload in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF often leads to the retention of excess fluid due to the heart's inability to pump effectively, which results in congestion and swelling in various parts of the body.

Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of water and electrolytes through the kidneys, reducing blood volume and subsequently alleviating symptoms associated with fluid overload such as edema and shortness of breath. This helps to improve the patient's quality of life and can enhance exercise tolerance.

While ACE inhibitors, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers all play important roles in the management of CHF, their primary functions are different. ACE inhibitors help to reduce blood pressure and decrease strain on the heart, nitrates provide vasodilation and reduce the workload of the heart, and calcium channel blockers can improve myocardial oxygen delivery. However, none of these options directly focus on managing fluid overload as effectively as diuretics do.