Heart Failure Flashcards
Which is usually more observable? Left or right sided heart failure?
Left sided is usually observable first and usually precedes right sided heart failure
What are the 2 types of left sided Heart failure?
HFpEF (preserved Ejection FRACTILN) and HFrEF (reduced Ejection Fraction)
What is HFpEF
Preserved Ejection Fraction - the muscles of the heart pump normally and may seem to pump a proportion of the blood which enters the heart. BUT heart muscle thickening may cause the left ventricle to hold an abnormally small volume of blood, which then increases over time
What is HFrEF
reduced Ejectjon Fraction - the muscle in the heart is not able to contract adequately and therefore expels less oxygen rich blood into the blood supply
Who is more likely to get HFrEF and what are the treatment options
Men in their 50s and above, its linked to lifestyle choices such as diet, alcohol consumption, smoking. It can be treated with pacemakers, medication, transplants
Who is more likely to get HFpEF and what are the treatment options
Women in later life - in their 70s - part of the physiological process of Ageing in some women. There are no treatment options, symptoms are managed and then it’s end of life care
What are common symptoms of Right sided heart failure?
Heart doesn’t pump as much blood as it should to the lungs
Weakness, fatigue as a result of high levels of deoxygenated blood
Palpitations (heart works overtime to try to get oxygenated blood)
Fluid build up (as a result of the blood in right ventricle not being pumped out)
Build up of fluid in lower extremities - swelling in feet, ankles, legs
Swelling in jugular artery (struggled to pump against gravity)
Weight gain (due to fluids)
Increased urination (especially at night when lying down)
Gastro intestinal distress (due to GI system congestion)
What are some common symptoms of left sided heart failure
Tiredness+fatigue- body is not getting enough oxygenated blood
Decrease in urine production
Palpitations, irregular heartbeat,
Blood gets backed up to the lungs (pulmonary oedema) which can fill into alveoli - coughing up mucus (sometimes tinged pink)
Breathing issues get worse at night while lying down
Weight gain
Cyanosis (skin turning blue most seen when it’s thin - mouth, lips, fingers)
What are the 4 stages of heart failure
A - high risk of developing HF in the future - no fuction/structural disorder
B - structural heart disorder, no symptoms
C - underlying structural heart disorder causes symptoms - managed with medical treatment
D - advanced disease requiring hospital support, transplant or palliative care
