heart_failure_flashcards

Question 1

What are the aims of heart failure management?

Answer 1

Reduce preload, enhance cardiac contractility, reduce afterload, improve oxygen delivery, enhance nutrition, and exercise and physical activity.

Question 2

How is preload reduced in heart failure management?

Answer 2

Using diuretics (e.g., furosemide) or, more rarely, venous dilators (e.g., nitroglycerin).

Question 3

How is cardiac contractility enhanced in heart failure management?

Answer 3

Using IV agents (e.g., dopamine). Other options include digoxin, dobutamine, adrenaline, and milrinone.

Question 4

How is afterload reduced in heart failure management?

Answer 4

Using oral ACE inhibitors and IV agents (e.g., hydralazine, nitroprusside, alprostadil).

Question 5

How is oxygen delivery improved in heart failure management?

Answer 5

Using beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol).

Question 6

How is nutrition enhanced in heart failure management?

Answer 6

Increased caloric needs and may tire with feeding, so intermittent/continuous nasogastric/gastrostomy tube feeds are needed.

Question 7

What is the recommendation for exercise and physical activity in heart failure management?

Answer 7

Routine daily exercise depending on capacity.