Heart Failure

Question 1

We can define HF as a dysfunction in the heart that causes reduced cardiac output.

What is cardiac output?

Answer 1

The volume of blood ejected for each ventricular contraction

HR (bpm) x stroke volume (ml/beat)

Question 2

In heart failure, the heart beats with less force, what determines the contractility of the heart?

Answer 2

Ca2+ - needed for heart contractions - it enables the interaction between actin and myosin filaments

📈 increased Ca2+ = contraction triggered
📉 lack of Ca2+ = inadequate myocardium contraction - impaired heart function