Heart Failure Drugs Flashcards
What is heart failure?
Condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to keep up with the body’s demand
What is the order of the flow of blood?
Veins R atrium R ventricle Lungs L atrium L ventricle Body
What are the causes of a heart failure?
Major:
Chronic hypertension
Myocardial infarction
Other:
Valve deficiency
Atrial fibrillation/flutter
Aging of myocardium
What is the most common cause of left-sided heart failure?
Left ventricular hypertrophy due to hypertension
What are the symptoms of a left-sided heart failure?
Pulmonary edema
Coughing
Dyspnea
What are the symptoms of a right-sided heart failure?
Jugular vein distention
Ascites (swelling of abdomen)
Pedal edema
What are the diagnostic studies performed for heart failure?
BNP test
Echocardiography
What are the drug classes used to treat heart failure?
Diuretics ACE inhibitors Beta-blockers Cardiac glycosides B-type natriuretic peptides Vasodilators
What do chronotropic drugs do?
Influence rate of the heartbeat
What do dromotropic drugs do?
Influence the conduction of electrical impulses of the heart
What do inotropic drugs do?
Influence the force of myocardial contraction
What is preload?
The pressure in ventricles after they are filled but before ejection
What is afterload?
Pressure against which the heart must work to eject blood during systole (systolic pressure)
What is cardiac remodeling?
The changes in size, shape, structure, and function of the heart
What is compensated heart failure?
Refers to the chronic form of CHF that is under control with medication
What is decompensated heart failure?
Symptoms are frequent, which go away in the morning or when sitting up and moving around, with or without treatment
What is congestive heart failure?
Heart failure which also results in fluid building up in other parts of the body
What is the mechanism of action of loop diuretics (Lasix, furosemide)?
Decreases sodium, chlorine, and potassium reabsorption in ascending loop of Henle, resulting in profound diuresis
What are the drug effects of loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix) for heart failure?
Reduced blood volume decreases venous pressure (preload) and arterial pressure (afterload)
Reduced pulmonary and peripheral edema
What is a loop diuretic (furosemide, Lasix) used for heart failure?
Furosemide (Lasix)
What are the indications of loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix)?
Acute and chronic heart failure
What are the dosages and routes of loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix) for heart failure?
Oral: 20 - 80 mg/daily or BID; Max dose 600 mg/day
IV: 20 - 40 mg/dose IV x 1; May increase by 20 mg q2h
What are the adverse effects of loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix)?
Hypokalemia (increased risk of digoxin toxicity)
Severe hypotension
What are the nursing implications for loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix)?
Assess patient’s fluid volume status
Assess vital signs
Assess labs
What should you educate the patient about loop diuretics (furosemide, Lasix)?
Avoid taking late in the afternoon (nocturia)
Eat foods rich in potassium
Report signs of hypokalemia
What are some foods rich in potassium?
Bananas Oranges Potatoes Tomatoes Meats Fish Wheat bread Legumes
What are signs of hypokalemia?
Lethargy
Weakness
Leg cramps
What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
Inhibition of ACE prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a powerful vasoconstrictor)
Reduces aldosterone secretion
Suppresses degradation of kinins (vasodilator)