Heart Failure Flashcards
What is heart failure?
A clinical syndrome comprising of dyspnoea, fatigue or fluid retention due to cardiac dysfunction
What are 4 clinical risk factors of chronic heart failure?
Hypertension
Diabetes
Obesity
Coronary heart disease
What are 3 symptoms of heart failure?
Breathlessness
Fatigue
Oedema
What are 4 signs on examination of heart failure?
Tachycardia Raised JVP Chest crepitations/effusions 3rd heart sound Displaced/abnormal apex beat
What are 2 screening tests that can be performed for heart failure?
ECG
BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) measurement
How does BNP react in heart failure?
BNP is elevated
What condition of heart failure is unlikely with a normal ECG?
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction
What investigation should be performed when an elevated BNP is identified?
ECHO
What do structural cardiac abnormalities usually lead to?
Heart Failure
What are the 4 primary causes of LVSD?
Ischaemic heart disease
Aortic valve disease
Mitral regurgitation
Dilated cardiomyopathy (all secondary causes not related to IHD or valves)
How can disease affect the LV ejection fraction?
Can either increase or decrease it
What investigation can be used to determine LV ejection fraction?
ECHO
What percentage is a severe LV ejection fraction?
What scan other than ECHO can be used to identify LV ejection fraction?
MUGA scan
What is it is involved in systolic heart failure?
Decreased pumping function resulting in fluid back up in lungs and heart failure?