Heart Failure Flashcards
what is heart failure
output of the heart is incapable of meeting the demands of the tissues
what is high output failure?
demands of the system have increased beyond the capacity of the pump
what is low output failure?
pump is failing and not strong enough to force liquid around the body
what diseases are related to high output failure?
anaemia, thyrotoxicosis
what diseases are related to low output failure?
cardiac defects e.g., MI, valve disease
what is congestive heart failure
failure on both sides
what is systolic dysfunction?
blood cannot be pumped out
what does diastolic dysfunction indicate?
valvular disease
what are the causes of low output failure?
heart muscle disease, pressure overload, volume overload, arrhythmias, drugs
what diseases contribute to pressure overload?
hypertension and aortic stenosis
what drugs contribute to low output failure?
B blockers, corticosteroids, anticancer drugs
what is the heart failure compensation mechanism?
this is when the heart is not coping with the volume of blood in circulation but the pressure of the blood in the aorta adds more blood to the heart so it makes it worse. the body automatically increases the volume of blood
what do symptoms and signs of heart failure depend on?
side mainly affected
what are the signs and symptoms for left side heart failure?
lungs and systolic effects - dyspnoea, tachycardia, low BP, low volume, low pulse
what are the signs and symptoms for right side heart failure?
venous pressure elevated so swollen ankles, ascites, raised JVP, tender enlarged liver, poor GI absorption
what are the common symptoms of heart failure
shortness of breath, swollen or tender abdomen, swelling of feet and legs, cough with frothy sputum, chronic lack of energy, increased nocturnal urination, difficult sleeping due to breathing problems, confusion and or impaired memory
what is pitting oedema?
fluid accumulation in superficial tissues which can be squeezed about
what does it mean if pitting oedema is found high up e.g., thigh?
the heart failure is worse
what is the acute treatment of heart failure?
emergency hospital management with oxygen, morphine and frusemide
what is acute heart failure?
lungs are filled with fluid
what is chronic treatment of heart failure?
improve myocardial function, reduce compensation effects, where possible treat the cause
how do you treat acute heart failure?
high dose diuretic to remove the fluid and breathing returns to normal
what do you treat first with heart failure?
any underlying cause e.g., hypertension, valve disease, anaemia, thyroid disease
what drugs are used in chronic heart failure
diuretics, ACE inhibitor, nitrates, inotropes
