HealthInfo Aoraki-South Canterbury
Treating heart failure
Heart failure can't be cured, but it can be controlled, through healthy lifestyle measures and medications.
Your GP will advise you on the medication options and start you on an appropriate treatment. This may be one or more medications, and there might need to be a trial period to see what works best for you.
People with heart failure should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
Medicines to treat heart failure
- Diuretics to help your body get rid of extra fluid. These medicines include furosemide and bendroflumethiazide.
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to help your heart pump blood through your blood vessels. These medicines include cilazapril and enalapril.
- Beta blockers to make your heart beat slower and reduce your blood pressure. These medicines include atenolol and carvedilol.
- Digoxin to help your heart beat strongly and help control your heartbeat.
- Blood thinning medications to help stop blood clots forming. These medicines include warfarin and dabigatran.
Help with treating heart failure
The following people and organisations may be involved in your (or a family member's or friend's) healthcare.
GP
For general practices currently taking new patients, phone Primary and Community Services on (03) 687‑2307.
To find the contact details and fee schedule for a general practice see South Canterbury DHB – Finding a GP.
Timaru Hospital General Medicine Department
The Timaru Hospital General Medicine Department sees people with serious heart problems on referral from a GP. It also provides echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG) and exercise electrocardiograms (exercise ECG).
If you need an ECG or exercise ECG your doctor may refer you to this department to be seen as an outpatient.
Christchurch Hospital Cardiology Department
The Christchurch Hospital Cardiology Department sees people with serious heart problems who are referred from the doctors at Timaru Hospital.
Private heart specialists
You can search for private heart specialists (cardiologists) on Healthpages.
Home help and home care assistance
If you have heart failure and are struggling with everyday activities, or are very sick, your GP may be able to arrange for you to have district nurse visits or domestic assistance from one of these four providers in South Canterbury.
You'll be allocated a provider of your choice. You are able to call NASC and self refer on (03) 687-7114 or email NASC.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Heart Foundation – Common heart pills
Learn more about common types of heart medications.
On the next page: Self-care for heart failure
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by GP Liaison, Cardiology. Last reviewed December 2018. Last updated May 2019.
Review key: HIHFA-27478
