Which class of medications is effective for relieving fluid overload in heart failure patients?

The class of medications that is effective for relieving fluid overload in heart failure patients is diuretics. Diuretics work by promoting the excretion of water and electrolytes from the kidneys, thereby increasing urine output. This is particularly beneficial for heart failure patients, who often experience fluid retention due to reduced cardiac output and impaired renal function. By decreasing the volume of fluid in the body, diuretics help alleviate symptoms such as edema and pulmonary congestion, making it easier for patients to breathe and improving their overall quality of life. These medications play a critical role in managing the symptoms of heart failure, especially in patients with significant fluid overload.

While ACE inhibitors, β-blockers, and ARBs also have important roles in heart failure management, particularly in improving long-term outcomes and providing additional cardiovascular benefits, they do not directly address fluid overload in the same way that diuretics do.