What is the primary management goal in treating heart failure?

The primary management goal in treating heart failure is to manage fluid retention. Heart failure often leads to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body. This fluid retention can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and overall reduced quality of life.

By focusing on managing fluid retention, healthcare providers aim to alleviate these symptoms, improve patient comfort, and enhance overall function. This often involves the use of diuretics to help remove excess fluid, alongside strategies to optimize heart function and improve circulation.

While enhancing blood flow, controlling heart rate, and increasing lung capacity are important aspects of heart failure management, they primarily serve to support the overall goal of minimizing fluid retention and its associated complications.