Heart Failure (Exam 2)

Question 1

What is Heart Failure?

Answer 1

clinical syndrome in which heart disease reduces cardiac output, increases venous pressures, and is accompanied by molecular abnormalities that cause progressive deterioration of the failing heart and premature myocardial cell death

Question 2

What does the lab test BNP stand for?

Answer 2

Natriuretic Peptide, B-type (or Brain)

Question 3

What does BNP level >100 (especially >400) indicate? What does a BNP level of <100 indicate?

Answer 3

Presence of CHF - it correlates with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and volume. That there is about 2% likelihood that CHF is present (essentially rules it out).

Question 4

What value does an EKG (12-lead) have in diagnosing CHF?

Answer 4

It can show presence of Prior MI, Current MI, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Conduction abnormalities, Heart Blocks, Bundle Branch Blocks, etc., thereby suggesting possible causes of CHF, if present.

Question 5

What imaging studies are useful in diagnosing CHF?

Answer 5

Chest X-Ray, Echocardiogram (TEE or TTE), Nuclear scans, and Cardiac MRI

Question 6

What can a Heart Catherization/Angiography show that might be helpful with diagnosing/treating CHF?

Answer 6

Intracardiac pressures, coronary anatomy, coronary artery stenosis.

Question 7

What role can biopsy play in diagnosing CHF?

Answer 7

It can help evaluate the presence of infiltration or myocarditis.

Question 8

What two things can a BNP do in the diagnosis of CHF?

Answer 8

It can indicate the presence of CHF AND predict future events of CHF or show an improvement in the condition.

Question 9

Describe the etiology of cor pulmonale, its role in the development of HF, and prognosis.

Answer 9

Definition: right ventricular enlargement

Etiology: left heart failure; pulmonary disorder leading to pulmonary artery hypertension

Role/Prognosis: pulmonary hypertension will lead to right ventricular hypertophy