Which of the following medications is NOT included in the heart failure treatment mnemonic?

• A. ACE inhibitors
• B. Anticoagulants
• C. Antidepressants
• D. Beta-blockers

Answer: (C)

In the context of heart failure treatment, the mnemonic often used to remember key medication classes includes ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics, among others. These medications are specifically chosen because they directly target the mechanisms involved in heart failure, improving symptoms and outcomes.

Antidepressants, while they may play a role in the overall quality of life for patients dealing with chronic illness like heart failure, do not have a direct therapeutic effect on the heart's function or fluid balance inherent to heart failure treatment protocols. Therefore, they are not included in the essential pharmacotherapy for heart failure.

On the other hand, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are first-line treatments that help reduce the workload on the heart and decrease fluid retention. Anticoagulants may be relevant in certain cases of heart failure, especially where there is a risk of thromboembolism, but they do not directly treat heart failure itself.

Understanding this classification helps clarify why antidepressants are excluded from the core treatment mnemonic.