Acute Hf Flashcards
(118 cards)
What is acute congestive heart failure?
Pathophysiological state with abnormality of cardiac function and inability of the heart to supply the tissues with blood enough for their metabolic needs.
Clinical syndrome arising from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the ventricles to fill with or eject blood to the tissues.
What causes volume overload in acute congestive heart failure?
- Hypervolemia: acute renal failure and over infusion of fluids or blood
- Shunt lesions: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), ASD, PDA
These conditions lead to an increase in blood volume, affecting cardiac function.
What causes pressure overload in acute congestive heart failure?
- Hypertension: pulmonary or systemic hypertension
- Obstructive lesions: Stenosis such as aortic stenosis or coarctation of the aorta
These factors increase the resistance against which the heart must pump.
What is myocardial damage in the context of acute congestive heart failure?
- Myocarditis: viral, toxic
- Cardiomyopathy: dilated or constrictive & ischemic heart diseases
- Negative inotropic factors: hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and acidosis
These conditions impair the heart’s ability to contract effectively.
What is arrhythmic failure?
Severe tachycardia (SVT) or bradycardia (Heart block).
This type of failure involves irregular heart rhythms that can compromise cardiac output.
What is the clinical grading of congestive heart failure?
- Grade 1: Heart failure only
* - Grade 2: Heart failure and respiratory failure (Pulmonary edema)
- Grade 3: Heart failure and circulatory failure (Cardiogenic shock)
Each grade reflects the severity and symptoms of heart failure.
What are the symptoms of Grade I congestive heart failure?
Heart failure only.
At this stage, patients may show minimal symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Grade 1 congestive heart failure?
Tachypnea and tachycardia.
Patients begin to show signs of respiratory distress and increased heart rate.
What are the symptoms of Grade 2 congestive heart failure?
- Moderate to severe respiratory distress
- Cyanosis
- Fine basal crepitation
- If pulmonary edema: Coarse & bubbling crepitation
This grade indicates significant respiratory involvement due to fluid accumulation.
What are the symptoms of Grade 3 congestive heart failure?
- Severe respiratory distress with cyanosis
- Peripheral hypo-perfusion
- May lead to multiple organ failure (MOSF)
This is the most severe stage, indicating critical cardiac and systemic compromise.
What laboratory findings are associated with pulmonary edema in congestive heart failure?
- CXR: marked congestion & pulmonary edema
- ABG: Hypoxia
These tests help confirm the presence and severity of heart failure.
What is a symptom of pulmonary congestion associated with left ventricular failure (LVF)?
Dyspnea
Dyspnea can occur during exercise or even at rest.
What does orthopnea refer to?
Dyspnea on lying flat
It is often associated with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND).
What indicates severe pulmonary edema in LVF?
Coarse generalized crepitations or bubbling with frothy pink secretions
This is a critical symptom in severe cases.
What gastrointestinal symptoms can occur due to GIT congestion?
Dyspepsia, vomiting
This can lead to cardiac cachexia (weight loss).
What causes weight loss in patients with congestive heart failure?
Malabsorption, Poor tissue perfusion, Muscle wasting
These factors contribute to overall weight loss.
What type of edema is commonly seen in the lower limbs due to RVF?
Dependent and pitting edema
This edema is often more pronounced by the end of the day.
What is a characteristic finding on cardiac auscultation in congestive heart failure?
Galloping heart with S3
This is due to the vibration of flappy myocardium.
What does pulsus alternans indicate?
Alternation between strong and weak beats
It is a sign of varying stroke volume.
What is oliguria?
Urine output less than 1 cc/kg/hour or 400 ml/day
This is a common symptom in kidney involvement of heart failure.
What is a symptom of easy fatigue in patients with heart failure?
Claudication
This is often due to poor peripheral perfusion.
Fill in the blank: A symptom of pulmonary congestion in LVF is _______.
Dyspnea
True or False: Pulmonary edema in severe LVF can present with frothy pink secretions.
True
What is the term for weight loss due to heart failure-related malabsorption?
Cardiac cachexia
This can result from poor tissue perfusion and muscle wasting.