Treatment of Chronic HF Flashcards
Systolic dysfunction =
HF with reduced EF (pump problem)
EF less than or equal to 40%
Left ventricular dysfunction
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Diastolic dysfunction =
HF with preserved EF (filling problem)
EF greater than or equal to 50
Symptoms of SOB or fatigue are common
Left ventricular hypertrophy or abnormal LV diastolic function
Borderline HFpEF
41-49%
Improved HFpEF
> 40% but previously had HF with reduced EF
Causes of HF
Drugs MI HTN CAD Idiopathic Volume overload
All of the causes of HF cause
Decrease CO and Increase sympathetic NS
Increased cardiac output can lead to
Increased renin which makes more Ang I and then Ang II which then leads to aldosterone synthesis which causes sodium and water retention and increase preload
Ang II can also cause
Increased sympathetic NS and arteriolar constriction
Increased Sympathetic NS causes
- Increase HR
- Increased venous constriction which increases preload
- Arteriolar constriction which increases afterload
Beta blockers are used to
Decrease HR and sympathetic NS tone
Hydralazine =
Potent arteriole dilator which helps decrease afterload
Detrimental effects of increased sympathetic activity are
Increase HR which decrease ventricular filling time
Excess catecholamines which can be cardiotoxic and further decrease the hearts function
Cardiac stimulations which can stimulate arrhythmias
Increased afterload which can further decrease SV
Class I
No limitation of physical activity
Ordinary physical activity does not cause symptoms of HF
Class II
Slight limitation of PA
Comfortable at rest, but ordinary PA results in symptoms
Class III
Marked limitation of PA
Comfortable at rest but less than ordinary activity causes symptoms of HF
Class IV
Unable to carry on any PA without symptoms of HF or symptoms of HF at rest
Stage A
Patients at high risk for developing HF
- HTN, CAD, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome
Stage B
Patient with structural hear disease but no HF signs/symptoms
- Previous MI, LV hypertrophy, LV systolic dysfunction
Stage C
Patients with structural heart disease and current or previous symptoms
- LV systolic dysfunction and symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance
Stage D
Refractory HF requiring specialized intervention
- Cannot be discharge without medical assist devices or inotropic therapy
Goals of therapy for HFrEF
Improve patients quality of life by: reducing symptoms, reduce hospitalization, slow progression, increase exercise tolerance, prolong survival
Treatment Principle: Determine Etiology and/or Precipitating Factors
Disease associated with a cause or trigger of HF (obesity, thyroid disorder, DM, acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis)
Nonadherence with drugs and non-drug therapy
Medications: Alcohol, glucocorticoids, smoking
Treatment Principle: ID pts at risk and prevent progression
Treat and control HTN Manage CAD/dyslipidemia Control hyperglycemia Smoking cessation Weight loss Regular exercise (once euvolemia and stable) Moderate sodium-restricted diet
Role of BNP testing
Released when the heart is excessively stretched and it stimulates natriuresis and diuresis
Useful in evaluation of pts presenting to urgent care
Might be useful in establishing prognosis or severity
Diuretics and nitrates therapeutic actions in CHF
Decrease Preload
ACEi/ARBs therapeutic actions in CHF
Decrease neurohormonal tone
Decreased preload
Decreased afterload
Beta Blockers therapeutic actions in CHF
Decrease neurohormonal tone
Decrease chronotrope
Digoxin therapeutic actions in CHF
Positive inotrope
Decreased neurohormonal tone
Hydralazine therapeutic actions in CHF
Decreased afterload
Aldosterone antagonists therapeutic actions in CHF
Decrease prelaod
Decrease neurohormonal tone
Decrease myocardial fibrosis
Diuretics Relieve symptoms of Congestion/edema
Peripheral edema Pulmonary edema (crackles) Portal congestion (jugular venous distention, hepato-judular reflex) Usually used in combination with other agents and Na restriction
Diuretics can improve
Cardiac function, symptoms, exercise tolerance