Heart Failure- Congestive Heart Failure Flashcards
What are the four stages of heart failure?
Stage A: high risk for HF but no structural heart dz or symptoms
Stage B: structural heart dz but no signs or symptoms of HF
Stage C: structural heart dz with prior or current symptoms of HF
Stage D: Refractory HF requiring specialized interventions
What is heart failure?
- hearts ability to function
When the heart fails to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This can happen bc of structural or functional irregularities in the heart o both.
How many functional classifications are there? What are they? - quality of life
4.
Class 1: no limitation of physical activity
Class 2: Slight limitation of physical activity
Class 3: marked limitation of physical activity
Class 4: unable to perform any physical activity without symptoms or symptoms at rest
What’s are the causes of congestive HF?
Usually involves dysfunction of the cardia muscle, of which the sarcomere is the basic unit. HF can occur with any of the disorders that damage or overwork the heart muscle: CAD, CARDIOMYOTPATHY, HYPETENSION. VALVULAR HEART DZ
What can hypertension lead to if left untreated?
Cardiomegaly, bc the heart has to work against increased pressure.
What can be found in the blood of someone who just had a heart attack?
Troponin
What drug can be used in children for heart defects related to heart problems in children?
Digoxin. But it must be used carefully as the margin is very small.
What should not be used n children for heart problems and why?
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This is because the research is unclear how effective it is compared to the adverse effects which are higher in children.
Can HCN be used in children? If so when?
HCN agents can be used if HF is stable in children as small as 6 y/o
What must we inform adults to do when taking Agents for treating HF?
Must instruct how to take own pulse and daily weights.
Any changes in Gi activity, medications or diet changes must be reported to provider - can have impact on electrolyte balance.
Avoid switching between brands of digoxin
Avoid pregnancy and lactation- only when benefit outweighs risk
Digoxin
Cardioglycosides
How do cardioglycosides work?
Increase force of myocardial contraction, cardiac output and renal perfusion and output and decreases blood volume to slow heart rate and conduction velocity through the AV node.
Overall effect is increased cardiac output.
Glycosides are good at treating cardiac arrhythmias due to the action on the AV node and heart failure. T/f
True
Cardiac glycoside contraindication
Allergy
Ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, heart block, sick sinus syndrome.
Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Acute MI, renal insufficiency and electrolyte abnormalities
What number should the therapeutic dose of digoxin be at?
Levels should be 0.5-2 nano grams/ml anything above 1.2 is more likely to suffer from adverse effects. Anything over 2 can be toxic.
What is the antidote for digoxin toxicity?
Digifab. - an antibody that binds to dixogon molecules making it inactive
Drug drug interactions of digoxin
Numerous. ‘Some examples include diuretics that effect potassium levels
Thyroid meds and antacids make digoxin less effective
True or false. You should monitor apical pulse before administering digoxin
TRUE
True or false. You should monitor apical pulse before administering digoxin
TRUE
How should you administer Digoxin?
IV slowly over at least 5 mins. Avoid IM administration. - can be very painful. You should also have life saving equipment available in case of toxicity
What should you avoid giving oral digoxin with?
Food and antacids
Milrinone
Phosphodiasterase inhibitors
Milrinone is a drug that acts as cardiotonic (inotropic) agent
Milrinone is a short term or long term management of HF for pts who are receiving digoxin and diuretics.
SHORT TERM. It can be given in cases of acute decompensated heart failure to quickly get the heart to a functional level.can be given when the body has not responded to other heart failure treatments.
How does Milrinone work on the body?
Blocks enzyme phosphodiesterase, leads to increased win myocardial cell cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP) Which increases calcium levels in the cell causing stronger stimulation; directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle.
Reduce work load on heart