Clinical Approach to Congestive Heart Failure

Question 1

What is the number one risk factor for congestive heart failure?

Answer 1

Hypertension

Question 2

Patients with an ejection fraction below this value are diagnosed with heart failure with reduced EF.

Answer 2

40%

Question 3

True/False. Diuretics are a first line therapy for CHF and provides mortality benefit.

Answer 3

False. Diuretics only provide symptomatic relief. Patients should be started on an ACEI or ARB and beta blocker

Question 4

Contractility/inotropy of the heart is dependent upon what variable?

Answer 4

Calcium availability

Question 5

Systolic dysfunctions are due to impaired (contraction/relaxation) of the heart.

Answer 5

Contraction

Question 6

What is the impact of congestive heart failure on the point of maximal impulse.

Answer 6

Point is enlarged and displaced laterally

Question 7

This nutritional deficiency is associated with nonishcemic congestive heart failure.

Answer 7

Thiamine deficiency (beriberi) - often related to alcohol abuse

Question 8

What are the symptomatic stages of heart failure and how are they differentiated?

Answer 8

Stage C - symptoms managed with treatment

Stage D - symptoms persist despite aggressive treatment

Question 9

Why are ACEI, ARBs, and beta blockers most effective in treating CHF?

Answer 9

They decrease both preload and afterload through various mechanisms

Question 10

Diastolic dysfunctions are due to impaired (contraction/relaxation) of the heart.

Answer 10

Relaxation

Question 12

What is a normal ejection fraction?

Answer 12

50%-70%

Question 13

This class of medication used to treat CHF only reduces preload.

Answer 13

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor