Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that implies a cardiac function abnormality and a slowed movement of blood across the body, which entails a weakening of the heart muscle. There is a variety of available treatment options, yet a considerable number of people who suffered from CHF fail to recover fully. Spironolactone is one of the possible medications prescribed to patients with CHF, yet it is important to assess its effectiveness by analyzing the existing research.
There are numerous studies dedicated to exploring the benefits of using spironolactone, and all of them support the idea that this medication can provide positive effects. According to Verbrugge et al. (2018), a low dose of 25 mg of spironolactone was proved to be safe and effective for utilization in patients with CHF and at high risk of cardiorenal syndrome. The medication improved natriuresis and decreased the probability of developing hypokalemia, a potassium derangement. Carone et al. (2017) agree that this medication is capable of reducing mortality among patients with CHF, as well as can decrease myocardial fibrosis due to being an aldosterone antagonist. Generally, spironolactone is prescribed in smaller doses ranging from 12 to 25 mg, yet some studies tested the effectiveness of using it in larger volumes. Tao, Zhitao, and Jiming (2021) explored the impact of a high dose of spironolactone, 80 mg, and found that it allowed to quickly improve the CHF patients’ quality of life. These studies demonstrate that using spironolactone is safe and beneficial for people who experienced CHF, and I would prescribe this medication to such patients.
Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that has to be treated thoroughly and by relying on the existing evidence. Research shows that spironolactone is one of the most effective medications which can be used in patients with CHF. Based on the positive results of numerous studies, I would prescribe spironolactone to my clients.
References
Carone, L., Oxberry, S. G., Twycross, R., Charlesworth, S., Mihalyo, M., & Wilcock, A. (2017). Spironolactone. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 53(2), 288–292. Web.
Tao, P., Zhitao, T., & Jiming, L. (2021). A retrospective study on the short-term effect of high-dose spironolactone (80 mg/d) on chronic congestive heart failure. Medicine, 100(5), 1–5. Web.
Verbrugge, F. H., Martens, P., Ameloot, K., Haemels, V., Penders, J., Dupont, M., Tang, W., Droogne, W., & Mullens, W. (2018). Spironolactone to increase natriuresis in congestive heart failure with cardiorenal syndrome. Acta Cardiological, 74(1), 1–8. Web.