Which class of medications is commonly used to manage symptoms of CHF by reducing excess fluid in the body?

Diuretics are the class of medications commonly used to manage symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) by reducing excess fluid in the body. In CHF, the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation in various tissues and cavities, often resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and abdominal discomfort.

Diuretics work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, thereby decreasing the volume of fluid in circulation. This reduction in fluid volume alleviates symptoms associated with fluid overload, such as pulmonary congestion and peripheral edema. By enhancing urine output, diuretics help to relieve the burden on the heart and improve the patient’s overall symptoms, allowing for better tolerance of physical activity and an improved quality of life.

While vasodilators, beta blockers, and inotropic agents can play important roles in the management of CHF, they primarily target different aspects of the condition. Vasodilators help to decrease vascular resistance and improve blood flow, beta blockers manage heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen demand, and inotropic agents increase the force of cardiac contraction. However, none of these directly address the problem of fluid overload in the same way that diuretics do. Therefore, diuret