Chapter 17-Congestive Heart Failure Flashcards
What occurs when the ventricular myocardium is profoundly damaged?
Failure of the heart
What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?
A condition that occurs when the heart cannot keep up with the return flow of blood from the atria
What can trigger congestive heart failure?
Myocardial infarction, heart valve damage, long-standing high blood pressure
What condition weakens the pumping strength of the heart?
Any condition that damages the heart muscle
What happens to the pumping function of the left ventricle in coronary artery disease?
It can be damaged
What are two adaptations the heart makes when it can no longer contract effectively?
- Heart rate increases
- Left ventricle enlarges
What happens when adaptations can no longer compensate for decreased heart function?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) develops
What occurs with left-sided heart failure?
Lungs become congested with fluid
What happens to blood in the pulmonary veins during left-sided heart failure?
It backs up, increasing pressure in the capillaries
What is pulmonary edema?
Fluid passing through capillary walls into the alveoli
How can pulmonary edema develop?
Suddenly (e.g., in an AMI) or slowly (e.g., chronic CHF)
What are symptoms of severe pulmonary edema?
- Pink frothy sputum
- Severe dyspnea
What occurs with right-sided heart failure?
Blood backs up in the venae cavae
What are the consequences of blood backing up in the venae cavae?
- Edema in the lower extremities
- Distention of the veins in the neck
What is the term for the collection of fluid in the part of the body that is closest to the ground due to right heart failure?
Dependent edema
Dependent edema is commonly observed as swelling in the feet and legs.
What are the common symptoms of chronic dependent edema?
Discomfort
Chronic dependent edema may indicate underlying heart disease even in the absence of pain or other symptoms.
How does right heart failure affect the left ventricle?
It results in an inadequate supply of blood to the left ventricle
This can lead to a drop in systemic blood pressure.
What can chronic dependent edema indicate?
Underlying heart disease
This may occur even without pain or other symptoms.
True or False: Right heart failure can lead to signs of both left- and right-side heart failure.
True
Left-side heart failure often leads to right-side failure.
Fill in the blank: The right side of the heart supplies the _______ for the left side of the heart.
[preload]
Preload is essential for maintaining adequate blood flow to the systemic circulation.
