Heart Failure
10 medicines
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart muscle weakens or stiffens and can no longer pump blood efficiently, managed with medicines that ease strain on the heart.
Apresoline
Hydralazine
25mg
Apresoline is a heart blood pressure medication containing Hydralazine, available as 25mg tablets.
Digoxin Tablets
Digoxin
0.25mg
Digoxin Tablets is a heart blood pressure medication containing Digoxin, available as 0.25mg tablets.
Key facts
- Heart failure doesn't mean the heart has stopped: it means the heart muscle has weakened or stiffened to the point where it can no longer pump blood efficiently.
- Breathlessness, ankle and leg swelling, persistent fatigue, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat are the most typical symptoms.
- ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, ramipril, enalapril and perindopril are a cornerstone of treatment, often combined with aldosterone blockers like spironolactone or eplerenone.
- Sudden breathlessness at rest, or coughing up pink foamy fluid, needs urgent medical attention.
What heart failure feels like
Breathlessness is the most recognisable sign, especially when lying flat or climbing stairs. Swelling in the ankles and legs, persistent fatigue, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat are also typical. Some people notice a persistent cough, reduced appetite, or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms often worsen gradually, so many people adapt to them without realising how much their capacity has declined.
If breathlessness comes on suddenly at rest, or you cough up pink foamy fluid, seek urgent medical attention.
How it is managed
Heart failure is treated with medicines that reduce the heart's workload, prevent further damage, and ease fluid build-up. ACE inhibitors are a cornerstone of treatment: lisinopril, ramipril, enalapril and perindopril all help widen blood vessels and lower the pressure the heart pumps against. Aldosterone blockers such as spironolactone and eplerenone reduce fluid retention and offer additional heart-protective effects. These medicines are often used together and require regular monitoring to stay effective. More options are listed in our heart and blood pressure category.
Living with heart failure
Alongside medicine, daily habits matter considerably. Limiting salt reduces fluid retention, and tracking your weight each morning can reveal early signs of a flare before symptoms worsen. Staying active within comfortable limits, short walks, gentle movement, helps maintain heart function. Smoking, heavy alcohol, and untreated sleep apnoea all accelerate decline and are worth addressing directly.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.