03 - Heart Failure (Part 2)

In this episode, we kick off our deep dive into heart failure treatment, starting with a fundamental goal: achieving ideal volume status. Managing fluid overload is crucial for symptom control and preventing hospitalizations — and today, we’re unpacking how to do it effectively.

We'll cover:

• Dry Weight: What it is, why it matters, and how to determine it.

• Fluid Restriction: When and why.

• Loop Diuretics: A comparison of the "Big 3" — Furosemide, Torsemide, and Bumetanide — including dosing strategies and absorption differences.

• Common Adverse Effects: Hypokalemia, renal function changes, and hypotension — what to monitor and how to respond.

• Potassium Supplementation: Should you start it preemptively when initiating a loop diuretic?

🔔 Stay tuned: In future episodes, we’ll continue walking through each major medication class used in heart failure management.