Heart Failure Flashcards
Why can crackling be heard with pulmonary oedema?
Because the fluid causes the alveoli to open and slam shut
What are ‘water tablets’?
Water tablets is another name for diuretics, which cause more salt and water to leave the body in order to lower blood pressure
What is cardiomegaly?
Enlarged hypertrophic heart
Why does a blood test need to be done before diuretics are given to a patient?
Diuretics cause more potassium to be excreted, so you need to check that the potassium levels won’t be put at dangerously low levels
What type of drug is Ramipril?
ACE inhibitor
Why are patients advised to take their first dose of Ramipril before bed?
Ramipril lowers BP, which can sometimes make people feel dizzy (first dose hypotension)
Aside from first dose dizziness, what can be another common side-effect of Ramipril?
Dry, irritating cough
Why shouldn’t you drink alcohol when taking Ramipril?
Alcohol can increase blood pressure so reduce the antihypertensive effect of Ramipril
What is the maximum dose of Ramipril?
10mg per day
What is bisoprolol?
Beta-blocker used to reduce BP (antihypertensive)
What kind of drug is Ibuprofen?
NSAID
Why should patients with heart failure not take NSAIDs?
NSAIDs cause fluid-retention, which may exacerbate heart failure
What is cardiorenal syndrome? How do you avoid this?
. Excess diuretics causes eGFR to fall, which leads to resistance to diuretics
. Monitor the eGFR to avoid this
How do you test for heart failure? (gold-standard test and other options)
ECG is gold-standard test, BNP (released when ventrical walls stretched), chest x-ray to look for cardiomegaly and pulmonary oedema
Describe the first line treatment for heart failure.
(ABCD)
ACE inhibitor
Beta-blocker
Consider Diuretic (if there’s not fluid in legs or lungs otherwise will worsen situation)
