46. Heart failure Flashcards
In patients with newly diagnosed heart failure determine what?
the underlying cause, as treatment will differ.
In patients with heart failure periodically assess functional impairment using validated tools. Name them (2)
- New York Heart Association class
- activities of daily living
Describe sx : Heart failure (7)
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Peripheral edema
- Orthopnea
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (LR
- Confusion in elderly
Name risks : Heart failure (9)
- Hypertension
- Ischemic heart disease (LR 3.1)
- Valvular heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Alcohol, substance use
- Chemotherapy/radiation therapy
- Family history cardiomyopathy
- Smoking
- Hyperlipidemia
Describe physical exam : Heart failure (8)
- Bilateral lung crackles
- Elevated JVP
- Positive abdominal jugular reflex
- Peripheral edema
- Laterally isplaced apex
- S3 , S4 or any heart murmur
- Low BP or HR>100
- Note: In heart failure with narrow pulse pressure, think high output heart failure (eg. anemia, thyrotoxicosis)
Name types of heart failure (3)
- HFrEF (reduced) : LVEF <40%
- HFmrEF (mid-range) : LVEF 40-49%
- HFpEF (preserved) : LVEF >50%
Describe : HFmrEF (mid-range) (3)
- LVEF 40-49%
- Elevated natriuretic peptide
- Relevant structural heart disease (LVH +/- LAE) or diastolic dysfunction
Describe : HFpEF (preserved) (4)
- 💡 A preserved ejection fraction on a routine echocardiogram does not rule out the clinical syndrome of heart failure
- LVEF >50%
- Elevated natriuretic peptide
- Relevant structural heart disease (LVH +/- LAE) or diastolic dysfunction
Describe : NYHA classification for severity of symptoms
- I = No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- II = Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- III = Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea.
- IV = Unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort increases.
Name labs : Heart failure
- CBC
- Ferritin
- Glucose
- Electrolytes
- Creat/eGFR
- TSH
- UA
- LFTs
- Lipids & A1c (risk factor management)
Consider if diagnosis uncertain or if high suspicion
* Troponin → r/o ACS and prognosis
* NT-proBNP >125pg/mL → consider echocardiography. HF unlikely if < 300; highly likely if > 900 (1800 if age >75)
* BNP>50 pg/mL → consider echocardiography. HF unlikely if < 100; highly likely if >400
Name investigations heart failure (besides labs) (4)
- ECG
- Lung ultrasound
- CXR
- Echocardiography
What to look for in ECG for heart failure (5)
- Afib
- new T-wave change Q waves
- LVH
- LBBB
- HR>100
What to look for in lung ultrasound for heart failure (2)
- B-profile bilaterally
- pleural effusion
What to look for in CXR for heart failure (5)
- Cardiomegaly
- pulmonary venous redistribution
- pulmonary edema
- pleural effusion
- Kerley B lines
What to look for in echocardiography for heart failure (6)
- Decreased LVEF
- Increased LV diameter/LVH
- Wall motion abnormalities, diastolic dysfunction
- Increased RV size, RV dysfunction
- Valve dysfunction
- Elevated pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP)