Congestive Heart Failure

Question 1

Left Sided Heart Failure causes?

Answer 1

Ischemic heart disease (especially MI); 
hypertension; 
aortic/mitral valve disease;
cardiomyopathies; 
myocarditis

Question 2

Right-sided Heart Failure causes?

Answer 2

Left-sided heart failure;
mitral stenosis;
cor pulmonale; cardiomyopathies;
myocarditis; tricuspid/pulmonary valve disease

Question 3

Left Sided Heart Failure gross FX?

Answer 3

Hypertrophied and dilated LV;

dilated LA;

pulmonary congestion with presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages

Question 4

Right Sided Heart Failure gross FX?

Answer 4

Hypertrophied and dilated RV;

usually hypertrophied and dilated LV;

hepatic congestion (nutmeg liver) with centrilobular necrosis;

congested spleen

Question 5

Pathophysiology of effects of Left Sided Heart Failure?

Answer 5

1. LV failure leads to decreased cardiac output,

resulting in dyspnea.

2. LV failure to keep up with RV output,

leading to increased fluid transudation from pulmonary vessels,

leading to pulmonary edema

Question 6

Pathophysiology of effects of Right Sided Heart Failuire?

Answer 6

RV failure leads to increased central
venous pressure,

causing hepatomegaly and peripheral edema.

Question 7

Left Sided Heart Failure clinical signs?

Answer 7

Dyspnea; orthopnea; paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; pleural effusion; cerebral anoxia; salt
and water retention

Question 8

Right Sided Heart Failure clinical signs?

Answer 8

Fluid retention and peripheral edema; hepatosplenomegaly; ascites; distention of neck
veins

Question 9

Congestive Heart Failure Treatment?

Answer 9

Diuretics; low-sodium diet; ACE inhibitors; nitrates; beta-blockers; digoxin

Question 10

Cor pulmonale means?

Answer 10

isolated right-sided heart failure caused by chronic pulmonary hypertension.