Congestive Heart Failure

Question 1

What are the causes of heart failure

Answer 1

Hypertension
Arrhythmia
MI
IHD

Question 2

What is heart failure?

Answer 2

The heart can no longer maintain adequate circulation

Question 3

What is congestive?

Answer 3

Excessive accumulation of blood volume in the venous system
Resulting in raised central venous pressure
Consequences are:
-Oedema
-Increased preload

Question 4

Which mechanisms contribute to heart failure

Answer 4

Sympathetic nervous system
Renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)

Question 5

How does the sympathetic system contribute to HF

Answer 5

• more sympathetic activity
• overstimulation of beta adrenoreceptors
• this desensitises the receptors
  -inadequate cardiac output

Question 6

How does the RAAS system contribute to HF

Answer 6

• decrease in blood flow to the kidney means more renin
• more angiotensin ii is produced
• more aldosterone and more blood volume
• more vasoconstriction and cardiac work

Leads to deterioration of left ventricule

Question 7

What is the first line of HF

Answer 7

ace inhibitor and beta blocker

Question 8

How do aldosterone antagonists help HF

Answer 8

Inhibits action of aldosterone as aldosterone promotes sodium and water reabsorption

Used in conjunction with ACE inhibitor and B blocker in people with severe CHF

Question 9

Why are loop diuretics used with potassium sparing diuretics?

Answer 9

To prevent hypokalaemia that potassium sparing brings

Question 10

Symptoms of left ventricular heart failure

Answer 10

Weakness
Fatigue
Cough
AKI

Question 11

What are the symptoms of right ventricular heart failure

Answer 11

Pain
Peripheral oedema
Raised venous pressurw