Heart Failure

Question 1

What is heart failure

Answer 1

Inability of the heart function to meet metabolic demands of the body
A. Contractile capacity abnormality causing deficient expulsion of blood (systolic HF)
-> hypotension

B. Inability of ventricular relaxation and filling (diastolic HF)
-> congestion

Question 2

Causes of Heart Failure (HEARTS)

Answer 2

1. Hypertension
2. Epicardial disease (constrictive pericarditis, pericardial effusion)
3. AMI, AF
4. Regurgitant and stenotic valvular disease, Restrictive disease, HOCM, DCM
5. Thyrotoxicosis, anaemia (high output)
6. Shunt (ASD, VSD)