3. Heart Failure

Question 1

What is heart failure?

Answer 1

Abnormality in cardiac function which is responsible for the failure of the heart to pump blood at a rate commensurate with the requirement of metabolising tissues

Question 2

What can be done in management of heart failure?

Answer 2

Correct underlying cause
Reduce salt intake, liquid reduction
Diuretics plus other therapeutic agents

Question 3

What are the aims of treatment of heart failure?

Answer 3

Reduction in symptoms
Managed increase in exercise tolerance
Address arrhythmias, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes
Increase quality of life and slow morbidity

Question 4

What is the aim of furosemide in treating heart failure?

Answer 4

Reduce signs of volume overloads - dyspnoea and peripheral oedema

Question 5

What is the aim of lisinopril/ramipril, spironolactone and candesartan/losartan in treating heart failure?

Answer 5

Reduce sympathetic output, vasodilation, reduce sodium and water retention and increase bradykinin

Question 6

What is the aim of bisoprolol in treatment of heart failure?

Answer 6

Reduce remodelling and improve systolic function