Question

Which types of drugs treat congestive heart failure? Check all that apply.

a. Diuretics
b. Inotropic drugs
c. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
d. Antihypertensive drugs

Answer 1

Drugs that treat congestive heart failure include diuretics, inotropic drugs, and antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers. These medications work by reducing fluid buildup, increasing the force of heart contractions, and preventing vasoconstriction respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The types of drugs that treat congestive heart failure include:

• Diuretics: They help reduce fluid buildup, decreasing the workload on the heart. An example is the loop diuretic that works on the loop of Henle to inhibit the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl-.
• Inotropic drugs: These drugs, such as digitalis, increase the force of the heart's contractions, improving its pumping ability.
• Antihypertensive drugs: These include medications such as beta-blockers that prevent vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration. Beta-blockers, like metoprolol and propranolol, improve cardiac function by allowing the blood vessels to dilate or by keeping the heart rate from increasing.

While HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly known as statins, are generally used to lower cholesterol, they are not directly used to treat congestive heart failure. However, by reducing the progression of atherosclerosis and improving cholesterol profiles, they can indirectly benefit heart function.