Wk 13: Heart failure Flashcards
1
Q
What are the signs of left hf?
A
<CO + pulmonary congestion
- Pulmonary oedema
- Breathlessness
- Exercise intolerance
2
Q
What are the signs of right HF?
A
- Distended JVP
- Hepatomegaly
- Ascites
- Dependent ankle oedema
3
Q
What is class I of HF?
A
No limitation of physical activity
4
Q
What is Class II of HF?
A
- Slight limitation of physical activity
- Comfortable at rest
- Ordinary Physical activity = fatigue, palpitations, dyspnoea
5
Q
What is Class III of HF?
A
- Marked limitation of physical activity
- Comfortable at rest
- Less than ordinary activity = fatigue, palpitations, dyspnoea
6
Q
What is class IV of HF?
A
- Unable to carry physical activity w/ discomfort
- Symptoms at rest
- Physical activity = inc discomfort
7
Q
Why are levels of aldosterone higher than normal in HF patients?
A
- Kidney hypoperfusion = red cardiac output
- Activation of RAAS
- Inc aldosterone secretion
- Sodium + water retention
8
Q
What are the harms of the continual activation of SNS in HF patients?
A
- Inc myocardial O2 demands
- Down-regulation of B1 recs/decreased contractile function
- Cardiac ischemia/arrhythmias
BBlocker used
9
Q
What is the usual presentation of HF in hospitals?
A
- SOB
- Exercise intolerance
- Swollen legs
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Dyspnoea
10
Q
How is a patient diagnosed w/ HF?
A
- History + clinical examination
- Measure NT-proBNP
- Perform ECG, x-ray, blood test, urinalysis + spirometry
11
Q
What happens if the NT-proBNP is <400ng/l?
A
HF not confirmed
12
Q
What happens if the NT-proBNP is 400-2000ng/l?
A
Refer urgently to be seen w/in 6 wks
13
Q
What happens if the NT-proBNP is >2000ng/l?
A
Refer urgently to be seen w/in 2 wks
