Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly used to prevent fluid overload in heart failure patients?

1. Diuretics

2. Calcium channel blockers

3. Thrombolytics

4. Anticoagulants

The correct answer is: Diuretics

Diuretics are the primary class of medications used to prevent fluid overload in patients with heart failure. In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation in various tissues and organs. This fluid overload can cause symptoms such as swelling (edema), difficulty breathing (due to pulmonary congestion), and increased blood pressure. Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, thereby reducing the overall fluid volume in the circulatory system. This helps alleviate the symptoms associated with fluid overload and decreases the workload on the heart, allowing it to function more efficiently. Common diuretics used in heart failure management include furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide. Other classes of medications, such as calcium channel blockers, thrombolytics, and anticoagulants, serve different purposes in cardiovascular care but do not directly address fluid overload associated with heart failure. Calcium channel blockers typically manage hypertension and certain types of arrhythmias; thrombolytics are used in acute myocardial infarction to dissolve blood clots; and anticoagulants help prevent thrombosis but are not designed to manage fluid status. Therefore, diuretics are the medication of choice for managing fluid overload in heart failure