CHF (EXAM 4) Flashcards

1
Q

CHF is the most common __________ diagnosis in the U.S. in those > 65

A
  • inpatient
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2
Q

What are the important epidemiology factors for CHF?

A
  • very common!
  • incidence increases with age (75% of cases are in those > 65)
  • M > F
  • 25% higher incidence in African American patients
  • some forms of cardiomyopathy are genetic
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3
Q

Who is the most at risk for developing CHF?

A

Those with:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Smokers
  • HTN
  • Obesity (huge risk factor!)
  • Diabetes
  • Valvular heart disease
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4
Q

Heart function and cardiac output depend on these 4 thing:

A
  • contractility of myocardium
  • preload of the ventricle
  • afterload applied to ventricles
  • heart rate

(issues with any of these 4 factors can result in CHF)

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5
Q

What is this the definition of?

  • the pressure in the ventricle at the end of diastole
A

PRELOAD

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6
Q

AFTERLOAD: They systemic ________ ________ (pressure) that the heart works ______ to pump blood (pressure in the ventricle wall during ejection)

A
  • vascular resistance

- against

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7
Q

Describe the Frank-Starling Law

A
  • Stroke Volume (SV) of the heart increases in response to increase in the volume of blood filling the heart (end diastolic volume)

aka - increase in the volume of blood going into the ventricle during diastole = more stretch of ventricle = increased force of contraction and quantity of blood pumped during systole

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8
Q

What is the #1 and #2 most common causes of CHF in the U.S?

A

1 –> MI

#2 --> Untreated/inadequately treated HTN
       - remember: HTN increases the LV afterload --> 
         longterm this can result in LV hypertrophy
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9
Q

What type of dysfunction is this describing?

  • ventricular filling is abnormal
  • mycocardial relaxation is impaired or chamber is noncompliant (stiff)
A

DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

  • Slowed, delayed, and incomplete myocardial relaxation
  • Increased dependence on LV filling from atrial contraction
  • Increased passive stiffness and decreased distensibility of the LV
  • Shift of filling from early to late diastole
  • stiffness comes from excess hypertrophy/compositional changes of myocardium
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10
Q

_________ dysfunction - is an abnormality of diastolic relaxation, filling, or distensibility of the LV, regardless of symptoms of EF

A

Diastolic

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11
Q

HFpEF is? Describe it

A

Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction

  • clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure, LV diastolic dysfunction, and a normal LVEF
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12
Q

What is generally considered a normal EF%?

A

> 50% (varies slightly by clinic)

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13
Q

_________ is the most common mechanism of SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

A

Ischemia

Another important mechanism:
- decreased LV ejection fraction (EF) < 40-50%

Other causes:

  • idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
  • inflammation (ex: myocarditis)
  • infiltration (ex: amyloidosis)
  • toxin-induced cardiomyopathies (ex: cocaine, ethanol)
  • valvular heart disease
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14
Q

Adaptations to heart failure Part I:

  • if SV is ________ by high afterload or ________ contractility, pressure and EDV ________.
A
  • if SV is DECREASED by high afterload or DECREASED contractility, pressure and EDV INCREASE.
    - leads to dilated ventricles if chronic
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15
Q

Adaptations to heart failure Part II:

Reduced CO causes:
- ________ sympathetic activity leads to: ________ myocardial contractility, ________ HR, and __________ venous tone.

  • _________ of renal blood flow and GFR.
A
  • INCREASED sympathetic activity leads to: INCREASED myocardial contractility, INCREASED HR, and INCREASED venous tone.
    - leads to ventricular modeling and progressive
    ventricular dysfunction
  • REDUCTION of renal blood flow and GFR.
    - leads to RAAS system activation
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16
Q

Which side of heart failure is this?

  • Impairment in adequate circulation of blood into systemic circulation –> blood backs-up into the pulmonary vasculature causing pulmonary edema and dyspnea
A

LEFT

(Left sided = think Lungs!)

  • may hear crackles
  • can be systolic or diastolic
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17
Q

And what about this side for heart failure?

  • Unable to adequately pump venous blood into the pulmonary circulation –> fluid backs up into the body leading to peripheral edema, increased JVP, and ascites
A

RIGHT

**often caused by left heart failure

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18
Q

What body system is very connected to the heart other than pulmonary?

A

RENAL!

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19
Q

Cardio______ Syndrome

A
  • acute or chronic dysfunction of the heart or kidneys can induce acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ system

**Remember - heart, lungs, and kidneys are all very connected!

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20
Q

What can trigger decompensated HF?

Hint: think about blood volume, issues with rhythm, blood flow, etc

A
  • uncontrolled HTN
  • Increased salt & water intake (or noncompliance with
    diuretics)
  • tachyarrhythmias (esp. new onset afib)
  • ischemia
  • worsening renal failure
  • anemia
  • chronic lung disease
  • infection
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21
Q

What is the prominent symptom of LEFT sided heart failure?

Name 3 other symptoms along with the above.

A
  • DYSPNEA
    (Progression: DOE –> orthopnea, PND –> dyspnea at rest)
  • chronic non-productive cough
  • fatigue
  • exercise intolerance
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22
Q

________ retention is the prominent symptom of RIGHT sided heart failure.

What is the other symptom you can see on inspection of the patient?

A
  • FLUID retention

- edema is also seen

23
Q

How many classes of heart failure does the NYHA classify? Describe them! (I know I am annoyed by this one too!)

*Paulson said to know these well!

A
  • FOUR

I –> No limitation of physical activity. Asymptomatic.

II –> Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at
rest. Ordinary physical activity results in fatigue,
palpitation, dyspnea, or angina.

II –> Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable
at rest. Less than ordinary activity leads to fatigue,
palpitations, dyspnea, or angina.

IV –> Unable to cary out ANY physical activity without
discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure at rest. If any
physical activity is undertaken, discomfort worsens.

24
Q

PE:

What might you see on a patient’s vital signs when they present with CHF?

A
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypotension OR Hypertension
  • Hypoxia
25
Q

PE:
What might a respiratory exam show?

(4 things)

A
  • dyspnea during activity or conversation
  • cyanotic
  • crackles on auscultation (wheeze/ronchi also possible)
  • dullness to percussion
26
Q

PE:
What might the cardiovascular exam show?

(7 things)

A
  • parasternal lift
  • laterally displaced PMI
  • elevated JVP
  • peripheral edema (legs, ascites, scrotum, sacral)
  • pulse alternans (alternating strong & weak pulses)
  • S3 OR S4 gallop
  • cool extremities

**NOTE OTHER SIGNS: You may also see HSM and hepatojugular reflux.

27
Q

What labs do you want to get on this patient?

5 potentials

A
  • BNP
  • CBC
  • BMP
  • Troponin (caution here - only order if you suspect CHF
    caused by ACS; otherwise you may have opened
    pandora’s box)
  • TSH
28
Q

BNP FACTS:

  • hormone released from the ________.
  • plasma concentrations are increased in patients with
    ___ _________.
  • Helpful if diagnosis is uncertain:
    - < 100: high ________ predictive value.
    - 100-400: not particularly useful.
    - > 400: most _______ patients w/ heart failure.
  • has ________ significance
  • multiple limitations
A
  • hormone released from the HEART.
  • plasma concentrations are increased in patients with
    LV DSYFUNCTION.
  • Helpful if diagnosis is uncertain:
    - < 100: high NEGATIVE predictive value.
    - 100-400: not particularly useful.
    - > 400: most DYSPNEIC patients w/ heart failure.
  • has PROGNOSTIC significance
  • multiple limitations
29
Q

What are the limitations of BNP?

5 of them

A
  • elevated in renal dysfunction and afib
  • lower in obesity
  • chronically elevated in some
  • high levels do not exclude other diseases
  • normal values increase with age
30
Q

True or false - the below is the comprehensive list of imaging you would want to get on this patient.

  • EKG
  • CXR
A

FALSE!

  • ECHO - always get the ECHO!
    • can differentiate b/t HFrEF and HFpEF
  • EKG
  • CXR
31
Q

List the lifestyle modifications you would educate this patient on

(7 items)

A
  • smoking cessation
  • restrict/abstain from alcohol
  • abstain from drug use
  • restrict sodium intake
  • may need to fluid restrict (for refractory patients esp.
    with hyponatremia)
  • avoid obesity
  • daily wt monitoring
32
Q

How are we going to treat our patient with HFpEF?

5 treatments

A
  • control the HTN
  • diuretics to take off excess volume
  • manage comorbidities (esp. cardiovascular)
  • cardiac rehab (only intervention shown to improve
    QoL/exercise capacity)
  • Meds: None proven to be effective
33
Q

Furosemide (Lasix) is a _____ diuretic. What does it do, and what do we need to watch out for?

A
  • LOOP diuretic
  • relieves sign & symptoms of volume overload (edema,
    dyspnea)
    - IV more potent than PO
    - must maintain long-term to prevent recurrence of
    volume overload
  • WATCH OUT FOR: hypokalemia, increased BUN/Cr, hypomagnesemia, dizziness, hypotension, hypo OR hypernatremia, ototoxicity
34
Q

What are the other Loop Diuretics?

A
  • Bumetanide (Bumex)
  • Torsemide (Demedex)
  • Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin)

*BID works best for Lasix

35
Q

What are the two main Thiazide Diuretics? What do we need to watch-out for with these guys?

A
  • Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
  • HCTZ
- BE CAREFUL! --> watch for: electrolyte disturbances, 
  massive diuresis (these guys are potent AF)

** can combine with a loop diuretic for refractory edema

36
Q

What about HFrEF; how are we going to treat this?

6 treatments

A
  • treat contributing factors/assoc. diseases
  • improve the symptoms (diuretics, ARB, digoxin, and the
    below)
  • Meds: Improve morbidity & mortality
    - Beta-Blockers
    - ACEI
    - ARNI
    - Aldosterone agonists
    - Hydralazine + nitrate
  • device therapy (if indicated)
  • cardiac rehab (class II-III pts)
  • serial assessment/close follow-up
37
Q

_____ is considered first line and should be given to ALL patients with HFrEF as it improves survival/symptoms, and reduces hospitalizations. ______ is a common patient complaint with these meds.

A

ACEI; COUGH

  • ARB is alternative if not tolerated
  • also watch out for: dizziness, hyperkalemia, angioedema, ARF
38
Q

Name the 3 most common ACEI inhibitors for CHF

A
  • Lisinopril
    • most commonly used - start with 5mg
  • Enalapril
  • Captopril
39
Q

Beta-Blockers ________ the LV size, _______ the EF over time, and ________ the ventricular contraction rate.

A
  • Beta-Blockers REDUCE the LV size, INCREASE the EF over time, and DECREASE the ventricular contraction rate.
40
Q

The 3 most commonly used Beta-Blockers for CHF are?

A

** the ‘lols’

  • Carvedilol (Coreg)
  • Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
  • Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
  • watch out for: dizziness, edema, hypotension
41
Q

Who is recommended to receive an Aldosterone Receptor Blocker?

(3 groups)

A
  • those with NYHA class II AND LVEF ≤ 30%
    OR
  • those with NYHA class III-IV AND LVEF ≤ 35%
  • post-STEMI pts already on ACEI with LVEF ≤ 40% with
    either symptomatic heart failure OR diabetes
42
Q

What are the two most common Aldosterone Receptor Blockers, and why do we use them in CHF?

A
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • Eplerenone (Inspra)
  • reduces CV death and hospitalization
  • watch for: hyperkalemia, creatinine
43
Q

Hydralazine + Nitrate (Isosorbide dinitrate) act by: venous & arterial ___________ to _______ cardiac preload and afterload.

A
  • Hydralazine + Nitrate (Isosorbide dinitrite) act by:
    venous & arterial VASODILATION to DECREASE cardiac
    preload and afterload.
44
Q

What two groups of patients is Hydralazine + Nitrate (Isosorbide dinitrate) recommended for?

A
  • best mortality benefit seen in black patients when
    added to optimal therapy
    • NYHA class III-IV with LVEF < 40%
  • patients who are unable to tolerate ACEI/ARB
  • watch for: symptomatic hypotension, HA, dizziness
    compliance
45
Q

What is an alternative medication class for patients with NYHA Class II-IV with LVEF ≤ 40% given in place of ACEI/ARB?

A
  • ARNI’s!
  • newer drug class, but $$$
  • some recommend as initial therapy
  • lots of good data coming out on these guys
46
Q

What do ARNI’s do? Name one example of an ARNI used in CHF.

A
  • reduce CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and
    hospitalizations
  • Sacubitril-Valsartan (Entresto)
47
Q

_______ is a positive inotrope that is used to ________ heart contractility.

A
  • DIGOXIN is a positive inotrope that is used to

INCREASE heart contractility.

48
Q

When do we give Digoxin to CHF patients and how do we monitor its levels?

A
  • given for symptom control in patients already on
    appropriate therapy
  • levels are monitored by SERUM DIGOXIN
    CONCENTRATION
49
Q

What do we need to keep in mind when prescribing Digoxin to CHF patients?

(4 things)

A
  • Narrow therapeutic window –> 0.7 - 1.2 serum
    concentration is optimal
  • Must use RENAL DOSING
  • Levels can be increased by: Amiodarone, Quinidine,
    and Verapamil
  • watch out for: cardiac arrhythmias, visual disturbances,
    N/V, anorexia
    **remember you cannot dialyze Digoxin out! Must
    use Digibind to clear
50
Q

What are the indications for device Therapy in CHF?

A
  • ICD for primary or secondary prevention of sudden
    cardiac death
    -vtach/vfib = mcc of sudden cardiac death
  • cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with
    biventricular pacing
    - improves symptoms for patients reduced EF and
    prolonged QRS
51
Q

What is the initial treatment for someone with Acute Decompensated CHF?

(sorry this one is a bit rough)

A

INITIALLY:
- supplemental O2
- assisted ventilation (if needed)
- IV loop diuretic
- if loop naive: if no response to initial dose,
DOUBLE the dose Q2hrs (likely need to increase
starting point for renal insufficiency or severe HF)
- if chronically take loops: initial IV dose needs to be
≥ their maintenance total daily PO dose

MONITOR:
- electrolytes and renal function closely

52
Q

What can patients do to prevent CHF?

6 things

A
  • smoking cessation
  • avoid excessive alcohol use/cocaine use
  • regular exercise
  • low fat diet to prevent CAD
  • control their HTN
  • prevent readmission (home wt monitoring, salt
    restriction, pt diuretic adjustment, case management)
53
Q

What are some things to remember about prognosis with CHF?

6 items

A
  • hospitalization is a marker for poor prognosis
  • survival of HF patients worsens with age
  • better survival for women over men
  • HFpEF has a better prognosis
  • 30-50% will be readmitted w/in 3-6 months
  • main cause of death: sudden or arrhythmic death,
    progressive pump failure