acute heart failure

Question 1

what is acute left ventricular failure

Answer 1

acute event results in left ventricle being unable to move blood efficiently through the left side of the heart and into the systemic circulation

Question 2

triggers of left ventricular failure

Answer 2

often result of decompensated chronic heart failure
- iatrogenic (aggressive IV fluids)
- MI
- arrhythmias
- sepsis
- hypertensive emergency

Question 3

presentation of acute heart failure

Answer 3

acute shortness of breath- worse lying flat
causes TYPE 1 resp failure
patient looks and feels unwell
frothy white sputum
3rd heart sound
bilateral basal crackles
hypotension- severe cases

Question 4

findings with right sided heart failure

Answer 4

raised JVP
peripheral oedema

Question 5

chest x-ray findings in heart failure

Answer 5

cardiomegaly
upper lobe venous diversion
bilateral pleural effusions
interlobar fissures
kerley B lines

Question 6

management of acute heart failure

Answer 6

SODIUM:
Sit up
Oxygen
Diuretics (IV furosemide)
IV fluids STOPPED
Underlying causes indentified
Monitor fluid balance

Question 7

management of acute heart failure with respiratory failure

Answer 7

CPAP

Question 8

management of acute heart failure in patients with hypotension (< 85 systolic)

Answer 8

inotropic agents (dobutamine)
vasopressor agents (norepinephrine)
mechanical circulatory assistance (intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation)