Heart Failure Flashcards
What is meant by Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a syndrome caused by structural or functional abnormalities of the heart causing an inability to achieve the bodies oxygen demands.
What are the two types of HF?
The two types of HF can be defined as either have reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
What occurs when HF is associated with reduced ejection fraction?
In HF with reduced ejection fraction the left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally resulting in an ejection fraction of less than 40%.
What occurs when HF is associated with preserved ejection fraction?
In HF with preserved ejection fraction the left ventricle loses its ability to relax normally thus preserving its ejection fraction.
What are the 2 causes of HF?
HF can be caused by either pump failure (heart too weak to pump blood efficiently) or Overloading excessive afterload (due to excessive pressure) or excessive preload (due to excessive blood volume) leading to the heart overworking,
What 5 causes lead to Pump Failure?
Ischaemic heart disease
Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmias
Infection, Inflammation, Alcohol (IIA)
Diffuse Fibrosis
What 2 causes lead to excessive Afterload?
HT
Valve Stenosis
What 5 causes lead to excessive Preload?
Vasodilation: Vit B1 deficiency, sepsis
Fluid retention (renal failure)
Excessive IV infusion
Polycythaemia (Increased RBC)
Valve incompetence
What 5 symptoms are experienced with HF?
SOB
Persistent cough / Wheezing
Ankle swelling (Fluid retention)
Fatigue
Reduced exercise tolerance
What 4 signs are observed in the presence of HF?
Elevated JVP
Pulmonary crackles
Pulmonary oedema
Tachycardia
What 7 drugs are commonly used for the management of HF? (with examples)
Diuretics (Furosemide)
ACE inhibitor (Ramipril) / ARBs ( Losartan)
Beta-blocker (Bisoprolol)
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (Spironolactone)
Hydralazine
Nitrates
Digoxin
