CARDIAC LECTURE 3: Heart failure

Question 1

What are 3 kinds of ventricular dysfunction that leads to heart failure?

Answer 1

1. Systolic dysfunction
2. Diastolic dysfunction
3. Both

Question 2

What is the definition of systolic dysfunction, and what does it lead to?

Answer 2

Impaired ventricular contraction, leading to decreased ejection fraction

Question 3

What is the definition of diastolic dysfunction, and what does it lead to?

Answer 3

Impaired relaxation, leading to reduced ventricular filling and decreased cardiac output

Question 4

What are 2 compensatory mechanisms that activate in response to ventricular dysfunction?

Answer 4

1. Sympathetic nervous system activation
2. Increased preload (end-diastolic volume)