Cardiovascular Diseases: High Yield Concepts in Heart Failure (HF) Flashcards
Most common cause of systolic dysfunction that leads to L-sided HF
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Most common cause of diastolic dysfunction that leads to L-sided HF
Concentric LVH due to HPN
Most common cause of R-sided HF
L-sided HF
Earliest cardinal symptom of L-sided HF
Dyspnea
Earliest cardinal sign of L-sided HF
L-sided S3
Presentation of L-sided HF
Dyspnea, left-sided S3, PND, orthopnea, Mitral regurgitation, increased Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), Siderophages (hemosiderin-laden macrophages or HF cells), pulmonary edema (septal edema, peribronchiolar edema)
Presentation of R-sided HF
Peripheral ankle edema (hallmark of R-sided heart failure), NVE, tricuspid regurgitation, ascites, chronic passive congestion of the liver (nutmeg liver), cardiac cirrhosis
Most sensitive index of cardiac function
Ejection fraction
Single most important bedside measurement to estimate volume status
JVP (internal jugular vein is preferred)
Cardinal symptoms of HF
Fatigue and shortness of breath
Most important mechanism of dyspnea in HF
Pulmonary congestionwith accumulation of interstitial or intra-alveolar fluid, which activates juxtacapillary J receptors
Only pharmacologic agents that can adequately control fluid retention in advanced HF
Diuretics
Major problem of Aldosterone Antagonists
Development of life-threatening hyperkalemia
Cornerstones of modern therapy for HF with a depressed EF
ACE-I/ARBs and Beta Blockers
Most common side effect of all vasodilating agents
Hypotension
Most commonly used inotropic agent for acute HF
Dobutamine
First choice for therapy in which modest inotropy & pressor support are required
Dopamine
Most common reason for rehospitalization in HF
Failure to meet criteria for discharge
Most common symptom of cor pulmonale
Dyspnea
