Cardiac Failure

Question 1

What is isosorbide-hydralazine?

Answer 1

A fixed-dose combination:
isosorbide dinitrate - vasodilator

hydralazine hydrochloride - predominantly arterial vasodilator

Question 2

Qualities of DIgoxin.

Answer 2

Reduces symptoms
Reduces hospital admissions
Improves exercise tolerance
Does NOT reduce mortality

Question 3

Problems of Digoxin

Answer 3

Narrow therapeutic range
Variable bio-availability
Toxic side effects
Drug interactions

Question 4

Which factors increases digoxin toxicity?

Answer 4

Elderly
Myocardial infarction
Hypoxaemia
Hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypercalcaemia
Hypothyroidism
Quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone
Cardioversion

Question 5

what are the contra-indication for digoxin?

Answer 5

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
Hypokalaemia,
AV block, WPW syndrome

Question 6

Signs of Digitalis Toxicity.

Answer 6

GIT:Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Neuro: Malaise, fatigue, confusion, facial pain, insomnia, depression, vertigo, coloured vision (green or yellow halos around lights

Cardio: Palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope

Blood: High digoxin concentration