Heart Failure

Question 1

What is Heart Failure?

Answer 1

The failure of the heart to deliver O2 at a sufficient rate to meet metabolic needs. It can be chronic or acute. Can be right sided or left and it can be systolic or diastolic.

Question 2

How does left sided heart (LVF) failure usually start?

Answer 2

With dysfunction of left ventricle following an MI meaning it is significantly less effective at pumping oxygenated blood into circulation.

Question 3

What can occur as a result of left sided heart failure?

Answer 3

Heart failure can cause blood to build up into pulmonary circulation, fluid build up in lungs resulting in pulmonary oedema, severe dyspnoea, reduced gas exchange

Question 4

What causes right sided heart failure (RVF)?

Answer 4

COPD, PE, pulmonary stenosis valve disease and left sided heart failure.

Question 5

What can occur as a result of right sided heart failure?

Answer 5

Central venous pressure increases causing fluid build up in peripheral tissues.

Question 6

What are some RVF S&S?

Answer 6

-Pitting oedema in legs, nausea, anorexia, facial engorgement, epistaxis, ascites

Question 7

What are some LVF S&S?

Answer 7

• Dyspnoea
• poor exercise tolerance
• fatigue
• Orthopnoea
• nocturnal cough
• wheeze
• weight loss
• cold peripheries

Question 8

What is chronic heart failure?

Answer 8

Heart failure that develops slowly

Question 9

What is acute heart failure?

Answer 9

Indicates new onset of heart failure or decompensation of chronic heart failure (DHF). Characterised by pulmonary or periphery oedema