What are the therapeutic aims of medications prescribed for heart failure?

The primary therapeutic aim of medications prescribed for heart failure is to decrease myocardial oxygen demand. This is crucial because heart failure often results in the heart working harder to pump blood, leading to increased strain and potential further damage to the heart muscle. By reducing myocardial oxygen demand, medications help alleviate the workload on the heart, allowing it to function more efficiently and effectively.

Additionally, managing oxygen demand is vital for preventing symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath, as these can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Medications that achieve this include beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, which help to control heart rate and reduce the force of contraction, thus lowering oxygen consumption.

The other options either do not align with the treatment goals in heart failure or contradict them. For instance, increasing fluid retention can exacerbate symptoms of heart failure by increasing blood volume, leading to congestion and edema. Improving oxygenation in the blood is more relevant in acute respiratory conditions, while managing blood pressure is also important, but it is a secondary goal in the context of heart failure management compared to decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.