Heart Failure Flashcards
How can heart failure be defined?
Output of the heart is incapable of meeting the demands of the tissues
What are the 2 types of heart failure?
High output failure and Low output failure
What is high output failure?
Demands of the tissues/system have increased beyond the capacity of the pump (heart)
[examples. anaemia, thyrotoxicosis]
What is low output failure?
Pump (heart) is failing and not strong enough to force blood around the body (MORE COMMON)
[examples. cardiac defects, MI, valve disease]
Which side of the heart is more common to fail and why?
Left side, pressure is higher
What is congestive heart failure?
Failure of both sides of the heart, first the left fails followed by the right side
What is systolic dysfunction?
Ventricles are LARGER than normal therefore cannot fully contract resulting in less blood pumped
What is diastolic dysfunction?
Ventricles are SMALLER than normal, less blood fills chamber and less is pumped as a result
What are the consequences/effects of the LEFT SIDE of the heart failing?
Lung and systolic effects
heavy breathing, tachycardia, low BP, low pulse
What are the consequences/effects of the RIGHT SIDE of the heart failing?
Venous pressure elevated
swollen ankles, ascites - fluid in abdomen, enlarged liver
What are general symptoms of heart failure?
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of feet/legs
- Chronic lack of energy
- Increased night urination
- Fluid buildup in tissues (Pitting Oedema)
How can ACUTE and CHRONIC heart failure be treated?
ACUTE (emergency hospital treatment):
- Patient is short of breath, lungs filled with fluid
- Oxygen, morphine, frusemide
CHRONIC (community based):
- Improve myocardial function
- Reduce ‘compensation’ effects from other tissues
What are some drug therapy used in chronic heart failure?
- Diuretics (increased salt and water loss)
- ACE inhibitor (reduce salt/water retention)
- Nitrates (reduce venous filling pressure)
- Inotropes (alter force of contractions
