Symptoms of Heart Failure Flashcards
Why do you get SOB?
In heart failure, the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, leading to a back-up of blood in the pulmonary veins. This causes fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion or pulmonary edema), making it difficult to breathe. This is more pronounced during physical activity (exertional dyspnea) or when lying flat (orthopnea) because fluid redistributes across the lungs, increasing pressure on the respiratory system.
Why do you get paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea?
Patients may wake up suddenly at night gasping for air. This occurs because, while lying down, excess fluid shifts from the lower extremities to the lungs, exacerbating pulmonary congestion. The increased fluid in the lungs makes it difficult to breathe, leading to sudden breathlessness during sleep.
Why do you get fatigue and weakness?
The reduced cardiac output means that less oxygen-rich blood is delivered to muscles and tissues, causing a lack of energy. This results in fatigue and muscle weakness, especially during physical activity, as the heart cannot meet the body’s increased oxygen demand.
Why do you get oedema?
Poor heart function causes blood to pool in the veins, increasing venous pressure. This leads to the leakage of fluid from blood vessels into tissues, especially in the lower extremities, resulting in peripheral edema (swelling of the legs and ankles). In more severe cases, fluid may accumulate in the abdomen (ascites) and other areas.
Right-sided heart failure: When the right side of the heart fails, it causes blood to back up in the venous system, leading to swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen.
Why do you get rapid or irregular heartbeat?
The heart tries to compensate for its reduced pumping ability by beating faster (tachycardia) or in an irregular rhythm. This occurs because the body releases hormones like adrenaline to stimulate the heart, increasing its rate and contractility in an attempt to maintain adequate blood flow.
Why do you get cough or wheezing?
As fluid accumulates in the lungs due to left-sided heart failure, it irritates the airways, causing a persistent cough or wheezing. In severe cases, patients may cough up pink, frothy sputum, a sign of pulmonary edema (fluid in the air sacs of the lungs).
Why do you get chest pain?
If heart failure is caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) or occurs alongside ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart), patients may experience angina or chest pain. This is due to the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen, especially during times of exertion.
Why do you get increased urination at night?
Heart failure often causes the kidneys to function less efficiently, leading to fluid retention. When lying down, blood flow to the kidneys improves temporarily, leading to increased urine production at night (nocturia).
Why do you get cognitive impairment and confusion?
Reduced cardiac output limits blood flow to the brain, which can cause cognitive issues, memory problems, or confusion, particularly in elderly patients. This can be exacerbated by low oxygen levels or electrolyte imbalances.
Why do you get swollen abdomen and loss of apetite?
Right-sided heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), causing the abdomen to swell. This can put pressure on the stomach and digestive organs, leading to a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite. Poor blood flow to the digestive tract can also impair nutrient absorption.
Why do you get weight gain?
Fluid retention
Why do you get cold extremities and cyanosis?
Reduced cardiac output and impaired circulation mean that the body prioritizes sending blood to vital organs like the brain and heart, resulting in less blood flow to the limbs. This can make the hands and feet feel cold, and in severe cases, patients may develop a bluish tint to the lips or extremities (cyanosis) due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
