Question

Congestive heart failure can occur when the heart's pumping of blood is weaker than normal, leading to fluid collection around organs. One treatment method is to give the patient drugs that increase the strength of the heart muscle contraction. Which of the following might function as an effective treatment of congestive heart failure by increasing the strength of heart muscle contraction?

A) A drug that inhibits the Na+-K+ pump from establishing a strong Na+ gradient
B) A drug that blocks the calcium channel in heart muscle cells
C) A diuretic drug that triggers the removal of excess Na+ from the body
D) A drug that decreases the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ transporter

Answer 1

The most effective treatment for congestive heart failure, according to the options given and aiming to increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, is likely to be a drug that decreases the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ transporter, thereby increasing intracellular calcium levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

To effectively treat congestive heart failure by increasing the strength of heart muscle contraction, one must consider how cardiac function is influenced by electrolytes and drug interactions. The primary goal is to increase the availability of calcium ions within the cardiac muscle cells because calcium ions are critical for initiating muscle contractions, including the ones in the heart.

In this context, let's review the options:

• A) A drug that inhibits the Na+-K+ pump from establishing a strong Na+ gradient: This will not directly increase heart muscle contractions, but by interrupting the Na+ gradient, it could indirectly affect the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, which may lead to increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and stronger contractions.
• B) A drug that blocks the calcium channel in heart muscle cells: This would prevent calcium from entering the cardiac muscle cells, which is counterproductive, as calcium is needed for stronger contractions.
• C) A diuretic drug that triggers the removal of excess Na+ from the body: Diuretics mainly help to reduce fluid overload and decrease blood volume, relieving symptoms and reducing strain on the heart, but do not directly increase the strength of cardiac muscle contractions.
• D) A drug that decreases the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ transporter: This could lead to an increase in intracellular calcium, which is desirable for strengthening heart muscle contractions.

In conclusion, while diuretics are important for managing fluid volume and reducing the burden on the heart, they do not increase the contractility of the heart muscle. The most effective treatment option, based on the choices provided, would likely be a drug that decreases the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ transporter (option D), as this would help increase intracellular calcium levels and thereby strengthen heart muscle contractions.