Heart Failure

Question 1

What is chronic heart failure

Answer 1

cardiac output unable to meet demands, and reduced

cardiac contraction

Question 2

Symptoms of heart failure

Answer 2

dyspnoea, fatigue, oedema

Question 3

How does heart failure lead to fluid retention?

Answer 3

Inadequate kidney perfusion in heart failure leads to activation of RAAS and fluid retention

Question 4

What does heart failure cause?

Answer 4

MI, atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, hypertension, endocrine disease, diabetes,

Question 5

Symptoms of heart failure

Answer 5

progressive dyspnoea on exertion, orthopnoea (breathlessness lying down), nocturnal cough, syncope, reduced appetite, ankle oedema

Question 6

What BNP levels make heart failure unlikely/very likely

Answer 6

Unlikely <400

Very likely >2000

Question 7

Classification of heart failure: stage 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer 7

1: no symptoms during ordinary activity
2: slight limitation on activity by symptoms
3: less than ordinary activity leads to symptoms
4: cant do any activity without symptoms

Question 8

Lifestyle management of heart failure

Answer 8

Fluid and salt restriction
Regular exercise
Smoking cessation
Reduce alcohol intake

Question 9

Medication review in heart failure

Answer 9

Remove:
CCBs
Beta blockers
NSAIDs
Corticosteroids