Which drug class should be avoided or used cautiously in heart failure due to fluid retention risk?

Which drug class should be avoided or used cautiously in heart failure due to fluid retention risk?

• A. NSAIDs
• B. ACE Inhibitors
• C. Beta-Blockers
• D. Diuretics

Answer: (A)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs promote fluid retention, which worsens congestion in heart failure. They inhibit renal prostaglandins, causing afferent arteriolar constriction, reduced glomerular filtration, and increased sodium and water reabsorption. This can lead to more edema and worsen symptoms like shortness of breath, and it can also blunt the diuretic and other HF therapies’ effectiveness. Because of this, NSAIDs should be avoided or used with great caution in heart failure, with close monitoring of weight, edema, renal function, and blood pressure. In contrast, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are cornerstone therapies that improve outcomes and symptoms in heart failure.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs promote fluid retention, which worsens congestion in heart failure. They inhibit renal prostaglandins, causing afferent arteriolar constriction, reduced glomerular filtration, and increased sodium and water reabsorption. This can lead to more edema and worsen symptoms like shortness of breath, and it can also blunt the diuretic and other HF therapies’ effectiveness. Because of this, NSAIDs should be avoided or used with great caution in heart failure, with close monitoring of weight, edema, renal function, and blood pressure. In contrast, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are cornerstone therapies that improve outcomes and symptoms in heart failure.