Heart Failure Flashcards
1
Q
What is heart failure?
A
When the myocardium can’t pump effectively enough to meet the body’s metabolic needs. Pump failure usually occurs in the left ventricle first, and that is more common.
2
Q
Signs and symptoms of HF
A
SOB Increased HR Edema Cough with frothy sputum Increased SOB on lying down (orthopnea) Low BP Engorged jugular Hemoptysis
3
Q
Causes of HF
A
The most common cause is systemic hypertension.
Mechanical disturbances in ventricular filling due to blood volume that’s too low for the ventricle to pump, eg in constrictive pericarditis or AF
Volume over load from aortic or mitral insufficiency
4
Q
Management of HF
A
Oxygen
ECG
GTN
5
Q
Medications associated with HF
A
ACE inhibitors
ARBs
Beta blockers
Diuretics
6
Q
Risk factors associated with HF
A
Cardiomyopathy (disease of the myocardium) Substance misuse Congenital defects Diabetes Family history Obesity Severe lung disease Arrhythmias (affecting synchrony)
